Belgium
One of my best memories is when my mom visited me and we got to visit her host families from 30 years ago. I really enjoyed seeing new places but mostly meeting those amazing people. Nothing had changed between them and my mom even after all that time.
Laura Derenne
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Switzerland
Studying abroad made me less shy and more open to making contact with people. It made me feel like a part of something. And even now, when I meet people who tell me they went on an exchange, it feels like we’re all part of something bigger, and that’s really awesome
Aude Mayer
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Germany
Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My year in Germany was full of adventure and excitement. I was able to meet students from all over the world and I learned so much about myself. I came back more self assured and independent.
Natalee Long
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Denmark
You will only regret the opportunities you didn’t take. There will always be something that you’ll look back on and think, why didn’t I do that? But opportunities lead to other opportunities. Just take control of your own exchange and make the best of it, that’s really important.
Frands Haulund
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Spain
“From 2023 to 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Alicante, Spain—a vibrant port city on the Mediterranean that couldn’t have been more different from the small Midwest town I came from. The change of pace was eye-opening in the best way. I learned how to be more independent, how to navigate a new culture, city and how to connect with people from all walks of life. The food, the language, the energy—it was all so new, and I soaked up every bit of it. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed my life in so many ways. I don’t go a day without thinking about my experience.’’ – Violet Conway
Violet Conway
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France
On August 8, 2008 (08/08/08), I started my Rotary Youth Exchange, leaving France for Columbia, MO, USA for a year. To this day, I still have so many memories from this amazing year: from the wonderful persons I met to the beautiful places I’ve been to.
Over 10 years later, it amazes me how vivid all my memories of this incredible experience still are! Remembering the other students from all over the world, the great host families, counselors, and other Rotarians involved in my exchange, and all the friends I made and still have today. “Make dreams real” was Rotary’s motto during the 2008/2009 year. Rotary’s Youth Exchange did that for me.
Learning/knowing a second language, meeting people from all over the world and discovering new places have been TREMENDOUS benefits in my life, both back then and ever since. And so much has happened! I finished high school, went on a preparatory school to pass the entry exam of one of the best French business schools, and eventually received Master’s degrees from both EDHEC and the University of Alberta. I went on a student exchange in Edmonton, AB, Canada as part of my school program, fell in love with the city, decided to stay and received my Canadian Permanent Residency.
I joined Rotary – as a member this time, hoping that I will soon be able to help future youth exchange students benefit from the same life-changing experience as I did. And it all started with a Youth Exchange Student. YES. Do it, it’s worth it. “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” ― Miriam Adeney
Maëlle Piquée
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Italy
When I was on exchange I really started thinking about my impact on others and the ways I could have an effect on someone. I thought more about how I wish people would treat me, and how I should treat people new to our country. You realize kindness is powerful, and empathizing with people can really be your greatest superpower.
Olivia Taylor
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“It wasn’t perfect, but it was real and that’s what made the memories unforgettable.” -Sarah Fernandes from Brazil