NZ is a preferred destination for Overseas RYE students (INBOUNDS) and each December/January the District 9940 Committee comes under intense pressure to have overseas students. It is a tricky juggle as we not only have to match our inbound/outbound numbers, but also try to honour the commitments we have with our exchange partners in other countries. It is equally important that we have NZ students wanting to participate in an exchange so that we can balance our numbers and are able to offer overseas students the fantastic NZ Rotary Exchange experience. This year we are starting the ball rolling early to enable more efficient management of our numbers and to become proactive rather than reactive.
RYE students doing the Tongariro Crossing
So - what does this mean for Clubs? Basically we need your commitment NOW to host students in July 2020. Please discuss this at your Club Board meetings and make a decision to support this fantastic programme. Students add fantastic energy and liveliness to a club and the benefits certainly outweigh the challenges. It costs around $3,500 to host a student and to dispel the myths about your ability to host a student - here are some tips;
- It is OK to share the hosting with another club - this works well for smaller clubs or clubs with an ageing membership.
- Host families do not need to have children at home (in fact some of the best experiences are with retired people that have more time to spend with the students).
- Host families do not need to be Rotarians. More and more outbound student families are becoming hosts to support the programme.
- It is surprising how much more you see and do when you have an inquisitive and enthusiastic student around.
- Students fit into your lifestyle so there should be little disruption to the things you normally do.
- Plan your fundraising for the year to include the costs of having a student.
- Recognise that the world becomes a smaller place with better understanding and connections made by hosting a student - our Motto is: WORLD PEACE, ONE STUDENT AT A TIME!
Members of the RYE District committee are available to talk to you or visit your club to talk to members. If you would like further information please don't hesitate to give me a call or send an email.
For this programme to thrive we need the support of all Clubs and Rotarians. Please consider either hosting a student in June 2020 or sponsoring a student overseas departing in January 2021.
Many thanks
Lynne Phillips
Chair
District 9940 Rotary Youth Exchange
Ph 06.3579111 or 0274.793138
Email: kawau@xtra.co.nz
The RYE programme is fully endorsed by DG John Mohi and the District 9940 Board.