Around the World

Parish families host traveling exchange students

Over 40 international students made their way through St. Charles Parish this month, when local rotarians opened their homes to the traveling pupils. “Once again, the Rotary Club of St. Charles participated in the Scanex Train Tour where exchange students from southern California, Arizona and Nevada had the opportunity to travel cross country through our parish, and tour New Orleans,” said St. Charles Rotary Public Relations Director Julie Hebert. “These young adults ranged in age from 17 to 19 years old and are completing a year of high school in the United States.”

Numerous Asian, North American, South American and European countries are represented by the various students who are part of the program known as Y.E.S – Rotary Youth Exchange Service.

At the end of their high-school year in the states, the group takes a 30-day Amtrak train tour of the country making stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Ore., Seattle, Chicago, Niagara Falls, Boston, New York City, Washington D.C. and New Orleans.

Exchange students who stayed in St. Charles had the opportunity to tour historical New Orleans landmarks like the French Quarter and Jackson Square.

“At each of their city, the students stay in various hostels, hotels are preferably with approved host families like those in our St. Charles Parish community,” Hebert said. “Upon speaking with several of the host families, it was an enriching experience for both the exchange students and the local families.”

This year nearly 7,000 students from more than 71 countries participated in the exchange program.

“They will see the world the way it is best seen – from the inside out – through the Rotary’s Youth Exchange,” added Hebert.

The program is open to qualified young men and women between the ages of 15 and 19. The sons and daughters of non-rotarians and rotarians are eligible. Applicants are to be approved by a local Rotary club on the basis of a written application and personal interview.

The rotary’s Y.E.S. program is a non-commercial organization formed by ten Rotary International Districts who have pooled their resources to provide you effective and efficient services.

“We have an established network of trusted rotarians involved in youth exchange throughout the world helping to ensure a successful and safe exchange for our students,” said Hebert.

“For the high school year inbound students, we make available an incredible 30-day Amtrak tour of America.”