Bjarke and Fernanda
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
Bjarke and Fernanda provided club members with some of the highlights of the year as our youth exchange students, following an informal barbecue at Rotary Glen last week.
Both talked about their experiences including their first day in Canada. Bjarke arrived the evening of the blackout last year and Fernanda arrived not knowing who she was meeting or where she would be staying.
The first day of school was nerve-racking but both students soon felt welcome. A canoe trip with other exchange students, the winter camp in the north, the Santa Claus parade, children's Christmas party and Rotary weekend in Burlington were among the highlights of the year. And their highschool proms.
Both Fernanda and Bjarke praised their host families (Bindons and Gayles for Fernanda, the Logans, Robinsons and Tates for Bjarke) for making them feel part of the family.
"Thanks to the Rotary Club for making our experience so awesome," said Fernanda. "When you share so many things, you just don't want to wake up."
And Bjarke added "we are going back to life now. It's been like a fantasy and it will be hard to go, leaving behind our new sisters, brothers and parents. Thanks to all our host families. Thank you for making the year so perfect."
The first day of school was nerve-racking but both students soon felt welcome. A canoe trip with other exchange students, the winter camp in the north, the Santa Claus parade, children's Christmas party and Rotary weekend in Burlington were among the highlights of the year. And their highschool proms.
Both Fernanda and Bjarke praised their host families (Bindons and Gayles for Fernanda, the Logans, Robinsons and Tates for Bjarke) for making them feel part of the family.
"Thanks to the Rotary Club for making our experience so awesome," said Fernanda. "When you share so many things, you just don't want to wake up."
And Bjarke added "we are going back to life now. It's been like a fantasy and it will be hard to go, leaving behind our new sisters, brothers and parents. Thanks to all our host families. Thank you for making the year so perfect."