Rotary.org: News

 Author praises Youth Exchange


 
 

Author Maya Frost says Rotary Youth Exchange is the best option for high school students to study abroad in her book, The New Global Student.

Studying abroad is the best experience high school students can have to enhance their lives and expand their horizons before college, author Maya Frost says in her book, The New Global Student .

In this handbook for students planning to travel abroad and their parents, Frost writes that although hundreds of organizations offer exchange programs, Rotary Youth Exchange is the best option hands-down.

"Every person I've talked to who went through Rotary's exchange program has, without exception and in every case, told me that it has positively changed their lives forever," says Frost. "It's an extraordinary program."

Frost's articles on education have been featured in more than 125 media outlets. She dedicates an entire chapter of her book to Rotary, offering tips for parents, stories from former Youth Exchange students, and information about the benefits and challenges of the program.

Frost is not a Rotarian but has been involved with Youth Exchange for years. Her husband, Tom, and three of their daughters have participated in the program. Their experiences with Rotary were what inspired her to include the organization in the book, says Frost.

She hopes Rotarians can use her book as a promotional tool for Youth Exchange.

"I think the chapter on Rotary gives Rotarians an opportunity to easily explain what Youth Exchange is about and how it impacts students' lives," she says. "The testimonials are an amazing example of what students are doing with their experience."

The New Global Student will be available in bookstores on 19 May.


11 Comments:
At 3:02PM on 5 June 2009, Blair Bennett wrote: I was a Rotary Exchange Student to Australia in 1994-1995. It was a fantastic experience both personally and spiritually. I am now a Rotarian and hope that others who have participated in the RYE Program will join Rotary and give back to the organization, through a local club, to ensure that there will be many more students going through this program in the future!
At 2:36PM on 28 May 2009, Kim Cady Cavanagh wrote: I was an exchange student to Australia from Iowa, in 1978-79. The program was fantastic!!! I have returned many times and one of my host families introduced me to my husband. We lived in Australia for many years, before heading back to Iowa to live. I encourage all high school students who are interested in becoming an exchange student, to go through the Rotary program. We hosted a student from Belgium, and even though we showed her the county, I really enjoyed who I was able to see Australia with other exchange students. What an experience!!
At 10:00AM on 26 May 2009, Woody Angst wrote: We all need to know what currently is being said about programs generally and about our program specifically. This book is a wonderful, unsolicited, third party endorsement of our youth exchange program. This is a "must read" book. Programmatically, this book may be an effective aid to promote our Rotary districts, to grow our youth exchange program, and to recruit both students and host families. Perhaps, -- clubs can place copies in their local school and public libraries this summer; -- clubs can give copies to their local school principal or counselor before summer vacation; -- youth exchange committees can have a copy as a reference during recruiting meetings; and -- youth exchange committees can have a copy as a reference during student and parent orientations as well as for YEO training.
At 12:00PM on 22 May 2009, Pablo Fernandez-Valdes wrote: I was an exchange student in Canada 1987-1988 District 709. I can not find the right words to describe how this experience changed my life. I am greatful for the chance I was given to open up to a completely new world.
At 9:37AM on 21 May 2009, Melissa Masson wrote: RYE has DEFINITELY changed my life. I went to Japan in 2006-2007 and I didn't return the same person. Because of my exchange I have a greater interest in Japan, and hope to work there someday. My exchange also gave me a greater understanding of the world outside Canada's borders. I learned a lot. I have a friend who went to France with a different program and she didn't have the same quality of experience that I did. RYE is definitely a quality program.
At 1:11PM on 18 May 2009, Nick Giannone wrote: Thank you. I have always thought the RYE program was the best since I 1st got involved in the 1990's. I became the YEO or Co-YEO from 2000-2007 before resigning and it was part of the happiest and saddest days of my life, but it is only as good as the Rotarians involved. By the grace of God though, some of the most exceptional Rotarians are involved.
At 9:36AM on 18 May 2009, D@v1D A. López R. wrote: Hey i would like to read this book, I am a Rotary in-bound exchange student from México and i really think that this book can help us after the exchange to learn more about more experiences and how we can use them i our future lives!!! i just want to add that my exchange experience is fantastic and i recomend the Rotary program. And i want to know if I can find this book in spanishand if I can i would love to know when I can find it in thanks!!!
At 9:38AM on 18 May 2009, Marina Barao wrote: I am from Brazil and went to Canada on a Rotary Youth Exchange. It did change my life and the way I see the world and other people. It's great that a book is showing how great RYE is.
At 9:40AM on 18 May 2009, John Pearce wrote: As UK educational consultant - Rotarian and father of two who have been enlightened by Rotary Youth Exchange - and enahnced by many visitors - just dropping in to say - good stuff - publicitry for something good
At 10:33AM on 15 May 2009, Grif Frost wrote: Aloha! My wife Noriko (Japan) and myself (Grif) were both Rotary Exchange students. Plus my three siblings as well. Fantastic program which changed all our lives for the better. P.S. I am related to Maya as she is my sister in law and I think her new book will be a very powerful tool for recruiting outband RC Exchange students.
At 10:31AM on 14 May 2009, Ivar Berge wrote: This proves what we already know having talked to local YE students from our and other programs. If the other students could do it over, they would all choose Rotary. I am still to have a student from another program say that they would recommend that program over ours! Why then do we struggle to find outbound students and host fmilies in the US? We must get better at spreading the word. Let's hope this book can be a tool for the future.

Add a comment

* indicates a required field