
Travelling and exploring different places is a great learning experience. These days we come across a lot of stories and experiences of youngsters who have opted for student exchange programmes and have learnt not only about different cultures but have had a chance of self development.
Student exchange programmes have a wide range of benefits for those who not only want to have an international adventure but also are keen on learning about societies and communities across the globe. Rotary International has been organising this kind of international youth exchange programmes since 1971 in various countries. Every year, more than 8,500 students participate in this programme across 75+ countries. There are two types of programmes — long term (stay for 11 months) and short term (stay for 6-8 months). This is not only a great opportunity for students to explore different places but also to learn a new language and develop an everlasting bond with the host family.
Telling us more about it, Avlokita Mane, co-director, Rotary Club Pune Far East, and president of Family Planning Association of India, Pune branch, says, “The main motto of this initiative is peace and better understanding and we are trying to achieve this every single year.”
She adds that the whole world is a family, and people must be given a chance to come together and see how similar everyone is despite some of the obvious differences. She is of the opinion that if the youth participates in such programmes they become global citizens building lasting friendships with young people from around the world.
That said, when she joined the organisation she found it shocking to know how students would not choose India to be their host country because they believed ‘our students still went to school on elephants’. So one of the major objectives for the organisation has been to shatter such myths about India and to build its image across the world.
“It’s truly so fulfilling when foreign students experience the warmth of our Indian parents. That said, India is a diverse country and it is difficult to cover its whole essence in a year,” says Mane adding, “Also, Indian parents learn a lot. They become more tolerant, understanding, more willing to give space that their child needs. This is how we aim to achieve our goal of peace and understanding.”
STUDENT SPEAK
“India is very colourful. That’s one of the few things that really hits you. Colours everywhere! And just like colours there are so many different people, cultures, food, festivals here. The diversity is bewildering. It’s been an experience of a lifetime.”
— Exchange student Pablo from Mexico
“I always wanted to represent my country and its culture, learn a new language, live in a new country, experience a different culture and meet new people. However, the exchange was much more than that. Right from the day when I gave my interview for selection to be a part of this programme to the day when I landed back in India, each event has given me a better and wider view of my capabilities. It was truly a privilege to see India through the perspective of others and gain a whole new outlook for my own country! The biggest takeaway from my exchange to Belgium would be confidence to believe in myself. The reason why I call it my biggest takeaway is because this confidence gave me the strength to implement my ideas, fight my fears and stand for what I feel is right. The responsibility to bring about a change, a change in me, a change in my surroundings, a change towards the better — is the responsibility of youth, who has tremendous power. And I am part of this youth. This sense shall always stay with me.”
— Exchange student Gayatri Lodha to Belgium
PARENT SPEAK
“As host parents, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn a different kind of parenting with exchange students. We were clueless about their culture, language and customs. It was a process, a journey to learn about their lives, values and them. It’s a challenging task but a bond and experience of a lifetime! The biggest lesson for me was to respect myself and my country whilst finding common grounds with someone else.”
— Pune-based host parent Jyoti Savardekar
“My son Meet Shah was in Brazil under Rotary Youth Exchange programme. A shy person lacking confidence, he came back with excellent oratory skills and confidence. It helped him while applying to colleges too. He has got a brilliant job due to his youth exchange background as he developed various skills from speaking different languages and learning to stand up for himself. Moreover, my whole family’s outlook has changed due to the global exposure as it has made our vision more broader and has given us a feeling of togetherness. One of the best decisions in my life was to opt for RYE.”
— Rotarian Kranti Shah from Pune
ST READER SERVICE
The Rotary Youth Exchange Melava is being held on December 2 at Sewasadan School, Erandwane, from 9am-12.30 pm, and on December 9 at Poona Club, Camp, from 4-6 pm.