RYE Florida welcomes the
Outbound Class of 2012-2013!
Visit their
pages and learn more
about them - and check around our site to learn more about our program.
Don't forget to read the journal of our
present students!
Information
for Outbounds, class of 2012-13.
Welcome to ...
Rotary Youth Exchange - Florida!
What an exciting adventure awaits you, as a potential Rotary exchange student
or host family, as you look to expand your horizons as they've never been
expanded before.
We invite you to explore our site, learn more about the
program, and, if it's right for you, take those first steps toward one of the
most amazing, memorable, adventurous years of your life.
News...
Keep on top of all RYE-Florida news. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ryeflorida),
and follow us on Twitter (@ryeflorida).
RYE-Florida's brand around the world - a
photo essay!
Who
Are We?
Rotary International is the world's oldest and most international service
organization, with over 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs, in almost 200
countries. The official Rotary motto is, "Service Above Self",
and Rotarians live their lives in accordance with the Four Way
Test. You can
find out more about our wonderful organization and its many programs and
projects by visiting the Rotary
International website.
There are more than 400
Rotary clubs in the eight Rotary districts in Florida. District borders follow
county lines. Click here to see a district map and
listing by county.
Each year, over 8,000 high school students participate
in the Rotary Youth Exchange program worldwide, learning a new language and experiencing a
new culture, through the efforts of Rotary volunteers around the globe. The
Youth Exchange (YE) programs in Florida are growing, through the efforts of the
newly energized multi-district organization, Rotary Youth Exchange Florida, Inc.
As you explore this website, you will find much historical
information on District 6970's YE program, which serves as the basis for the
statewide effort. District 6970
has built a dynamic, highly respected Youth Exchange program, which is the
largest in the southeast, and was honored
as the Outstanding Rotary Youth Exchange District in the US and Canada for
2006! That same excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence is
now spreading throughout the Sunshine State.
To learn about program options,
requirements, costs, and more, click here. If you think
you might want to be a Rotary exchange student,
this page would be a good place to start. Or complete our
Inquiry Form and a representative of Rotary Youth Exchange
in your area will contact you.
“Hosting not only makes a difference in the life of an exceptional student; it
is also an enriching experience for host families and communities. Host families
and communities have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and
traditions, and often establish friendships that last a lifetime.
“…Host families exemplify some of our country's greatest values -- tolerance,
generosity, civic engagement -- and the goodwill they exhibit helps to create a
positive view of the United States that lasts a lifetime and has a ripple effect
through American communities and the exchange students' communities abroad.
Hosting is a wonderful way to share ideas, celebrate commonalities, bridge
differences, challenge stereotypes, and experience a different culture.”
"Let me tell you what an Exchange is. It is leaving your entire life beyond
for an entirely new one in a new country" Miranda - Outbound to Japan
"I personally think that it is going to be so much harder to leave Florida,
then it was to leave Germany nine months ago. The reason is simple: when I
left Germany I knew exactly that I am going to see everyone in approximately
eleven months again." Max - Inbound from Germany
"I saw a quote really cool recently: “An exchange year is not a year in a
life; it's a life in a year”. It is quite true; everything change since I
came here. " Julien - Inbound from
Switzerland
"Whenever I walk around Arendal, I always see people I know, I always know
where I'm going. This place has become my second home, and leaving it will
break my heart." Ellen - Outbound to Norway
"I Of course it is nice seeing beautiful places, but being able to learn a
different language and really understand someone's personality through their
language is so cool and beautiful, and it is definitely the reason I will
continue to travel. Chelsea - Outbound to
Turkey
"It pains me and even makes me feel sick to think of leaving this incredible
place. I have made so many friends, memories, mistakes, repairs, and much
much more. I want to stay forever but I know that isn’t logical." Hannah - Outbound to Brazil
When my parents were here they could see the change in me, but I still
don't know what's changed about me. I guess I'll figure that out when I
return to the states".
"When no matter how many times you tell people that you speak their
language, they still think you don't get it." Emily - Outbound toSlovakia
"Speaking of eating more food, Germans eat like crazy. There is so much
food! You will never be hungry here." Crystal - Outbound to
Germany
"My views have been tested through this exchange, and because of that I’ve
realized how I truly feel about things." McKenzie - Outbound to
Denmark
"Being immersed in an environment that requires you to be so independent
makes you come to learn about yourself on such a deeper level-because the
only person you brought back home that you can always feel comfortable with
and always rely on is yourself." Celia - Outbound to France
"I gave my Rotary Presentation in Danish. It felt so good to hear from my
counselor's (who have been with me every step of the way since I've been
here) say that they were proud and impressed with my presentation." Alison - Outbound to
Denmark
" I feel more at home here all the time, and the people I meet and the
memories I’ve made will be unforgettable. I’ve come to love the people here
and Trieste itself so much, I feel like I could call it home. " Carlos - Outbound to Italy
"Who would have seriously thought that I would sing in a chorus, or
would sing Valentine’s in front of my entire high School with some good
American friends, or simply run a marathon? So I did. " Julien - Outbound
to France
"I am sure I am not the only one who feels that the week went by way too
fast, but once I think back on all the fun times, I realize how much we got
to experience in a very short amount of time." Elisabeth - Inbound from Denmark
"The questions always made me cry but I'm glad to answer because it is my
mission." Mana - Inbount from Japan
"My brain is now divided linguistically and one half thinks in English
and the other in Portuguese, even my speaking becomes disorientated at
times."
"I'm trying to postpone going home in my mind, because I'm afraid of all
of THIS becoming just another memory. But you know, at least it will be
a great one." Lori - Inbound from
Croatia
Rotary Youth Exchange Florida,
Inc. is a not-for-profit Florida corporation, and a
federally tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
Questions? Suggestions? Contact
webmaster.
Our
Districts
