Colombian Exchange Student Enjoying The Snow

Daniel Garcia

A South American foreign exchange student is enjoying Portage la Prairie's seasonal weather.  

Daniel Garcia arrived here three months ago and shares his highlights.

"I'm from Colombia. In this moment I'm on exchange for Rotary in Canada. The cold, the snow... I like it."

Garcia adds his school sxchedule at home in Cali, Colombia, is a little different than here in Canada.  He begins his schoolday at 5:00am with clases starting at 7:00am and closing at about 1:30pm.  The sun is already risen by 5:00am in Colombia.

Brad Poole is member of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program in Portage la Prairie.  Poole explains the program.

"Students in the Rotary Youth Exchange program apply to their Rotary districts all over the world. Once they've gone through the selection process the students will have indicated  three host countries that they would prefer to go to.  And of course Rotary International tries to match students with their number one country at all times."

Poole adds, "The exchange students arrive in their host countries and at their host clubs. They typically spend just about eleven months there immersed in the culture and traditions of their host community as well as their host country. Danny Garcia, our exchange student, is enrolled at PCI as a student, and is an active member with the club. He provides us with updates on his exchange year."

He notes Garcia is primarily in Canada to learn more of the English language.  

Poole adds the program is always looking for host families. For those who think their schedule may be too busy to host a student, that is actually a perfect situation for them to tag along to all your events and experience more of our culture.  To host an exchange student for two or three months, send an email to Rotary President Craig Bennet by clicking here, or Youth Liaison Kathy Belton by clicking here.  Their website is here.