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I want to take a gap year - is Rotary for me?..The Long Term Exchange programme is intended to be educational and cultural. If you wish your education to be vocational rather than academic then this can be arranged in many, but not all, countries. Many students will agree to being placed in school, at the right level, in order to go to their first choice country. They find that they make many friends and can take part in many more school based activities, such as sport, music and drama, than were available to them in their own school at home. Students quite often end up in the role of a teaching assistant in English language classes or assisting with pupils with special needs and really value the experience. If you want to back pack around the world in your gap year then the Rotary programme is not for you. Do I have to learn another language?..In speaking English we are very fortunate as, in most countries, it is the first or second language. So, for short term exchanges, learning to speak the language before you go is not necessary. However, it would seem common courtesy to learn the basic words such as 'Good Morning' - 'Thank You' - 'Please' etc.. You are not expected to be fluent before you arrive but any preparation you can do before you go will make your adaptation easier and your life happier. Some countries offer a language camp shortly after arrival, while in others you will gain fluency through time and immersion. So, even if you don't know the least bit of a foreign language right now, you are likely to be completely bilingual after an exchange. Being bilingual can really open some doors to your future. Language is also a big part of the fun. Will I get my choice of countries?..Rotary arranges exchanges with many countries throughout the world. Some are very popular destinations, while others are relatively unfamiliar to students and parents. There may be a limited number of exchanges with each country and some students may not be best suited for the countries they prefer. Nonetheless, we attempt to satisfy student requests, usually placing students in one of their top choices. What if I'm uncomfortable with my host family?..Living with another family in another culture will not be like being at home. Learning to be tolerant of other people is part of the experience. If, however, there is a clash of personalities then Rotary is there to sort out the problem and have you moved to a new family, without hurting anyone's feelings. Long term exchange students are assigned a Rotary counsellor who is your friend and mentor and is there to help. Rotary wants your time abroad to be special. Will I get any certificates for my studies?..This is a question with no simple answer. Students can sometimes sit examinations or obtain certificates for their studies in the host country. It looks great on a university application form if you can state that you have studied abroad - this certainly sets you apart from the pack, and, it can only help with a job application when Rotary Youth Exchange Student is mentioned on your CV. I am at University, can I go?..Rotary also has an incredible programme for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies, called Ambassadorial Scholarships . Competition for places is keen and not all Rotary Districts offer the opportunity to participate in the programme. If selected, Rotary sends you to study in a foreign country with all expenses paid - airfare, tuition, room and board - everything! Didn't find what you were looking for?..If you can't find the answer here, then e-mail us your question or query and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Home
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Long-Term Exchanges
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Exchanges
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