I went to renew my visa. Okay, so I
did that by myself. Pretty cool huh? I had to ask for it
myself AND in French! I felt so proud afterwards. - Puqui
Rojas, USA in France 

We drove to my host mom's house to stay the
night. Their house was in the country on hundreds of acres of
vineyard! The house was built in 1865, a very traditional
French home. We took a walk around the small town and ate grapes
from the vines, the view was amazing, I felt like I was in a
postcard! Sorry if my report is long, there is no way
to explain everything - Fauna Shaw, USA in France

I can't express how much I loved my year in
the US. I learned things that I wouldn't learn in a book, I made
friends from all around the world. Of course I had my hard times,
but that made me grow and realize that the world is not easy but
I can make it, like I did in my exchange year!!!! And it was
great!!! Now I'm the new president of the Rotex of my city. And
I'm helping all the outbounds, inbounds and families. It's a
great work. Thank you Rotary. Nathalia B. Martucci, Youth
Exchange 99/00 Brazil-USA

I am in Brazil, living THE BEST year of my
life! Along with learning a different language, meeting new
people, traveling and seeing some of the most beautiful sights,
learning about different cultures and how there's really not a
right way or a wrong way of doing things, just different ways.
For the first time in my life instead of being the majority, I'm
the minority. Thank you Rotary from the bottom of my heart for
allowing me to experience this opportunity of a lifetime that I
will never forget! Thank you soooo much!!!! Melissa Cerney,
USA in Brazil

Chile is a beautiful country and has many
different customs. So far I have visited San Antonio, San
Berardo, Los Andes and others. But I also got a bonus. I visited
Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil with my class trip for eight
days. People here are very welcoming and my family is great. Also
being away from the U.S. has made me realize how different we are
from other countries. I am experiencing and learning things about
our country that you wouldn’t experience if you haven’t
lived outside of the U.S. I want to thank you so much for giving
me this wonderful opportunity! Asia Carraby, USA in
Santiago, Chile

I'm working at the Olympics. The most
exciting thing that has happened so far is I was in the crowd at
the taping of the Today Show and the camera got a shot of me
in the crowd and it was only for a split second but hey I got on
National TV. My parents and grandparents have it on
tape. I run results to the world press, Olympic officials,
and Olympic families. And I was taking my break two days ago
and there was Brian Gumble for NBC and I got to shake his
hand. - Chris Troxell, USA in Australia

I went on another Rotary event. We went
mudding in Groningen. The Dutch call it wadlopen. This is very
Dutch thing to do. When the tide is low the sea bottom is
visible and you can walk on it with guides. Host brothers and
host sisters were also invited. Felice and I went. Anke couldn't
imagine walking through mud. The thought horrified her. I
loved being up to mud past my ankles and you got stuck in it. You
feel all dirty. It was great. - Corinne Gallet de St.
Aurin, USA in Holland

All of my classmates are really
enthusiastic and excited about me being here. Of course the guys
only want to know what you are doing Saturday night or when you
can get together for a 'crash course' in the languge of romance.
- Krissy Hanna, Bahamas in Brazil

I dress very preppy now, I don't like it
but if I dress like I do in the U.S., I'll be considered a slob.
That's right, I'm tucking my shirts in - John Deluca,
Ohio-Erie in Brazil

The Rotary here does not accept woman, so I
was the only female in a room full of men; I never felt like a
minority until that moment. It was a bit intimidating. I had
about five minutes of a presentation I received a standing
ovation and felt very happy - Ursula Prado, Florida in The
Netherlands

Recently my host father, my Japanese friend
Satoshi, and I sailed to an island in the Swedish archipelago
called Agön to stay overnight. The purpose of this sailing trip
was to celebrate the darkest evening in Sweden at Borka (a
Swedish town) because there was no moon present. There we met my
host mother and Satoshi's host parents who joined in the
celebration. That experience was simply shocking because it was
darkness I never before experienced. The most beautiful thing
about this event was that there were candles everywhere and the
scenery was real pretty. - Angelo Mortimer from Florida in
Sweden

Kids from the upper classes cannot have
part-time jobs. When I told my sisters that several of my friends
have part-time jobs, they almost fell over. "And you're
friends with them!" - Rachel Trent, USA in India

My Dutch is progressing. I'm currently on
the reading level of a 7 year old. I'm not afraid to speak
anymore even though I sound like an idiot. - Corrine,
Florida in The Netherlands

I looked around for my host father and
there he was with all smiles. We clicked right away and you could
see that he was extremely happy to see me. The minute I walked
outside I started to shiver. It's already like a Bahamian winter
here. We talked and talked and talked and talked and then all of
a sudden I fell asleep. Jet lag is horrible. I regret snoring in
my host fathers face but I am sure he understood. - Angelo
from Grand Bahama Island in Sweden

I am so glad that I got Austria as my
country. Herr Zeller, the Rotary guy taking care of us, is really
nice and tolerant of our stupidity. I love it here. The keyboard
is different so it's confusing to type. I'll write more later.
- Luky from Florida in Austria

Mind boggling, fascinating, unique, just
simply beautiful, I stood in the midst of it all. I felt
confident, yet I was afraid of changing worlds. I kept saying to
myself, is this real or am I living in a fantasy world. -
Krissy Hanna D6990 Florida arrives in Londrina, Brazil

All the girls here wear tight pants. I
don't mind this. The women are incredibly beautiful, and very
nice and open, and smart. They wear high-heeled shoes and leather
butterfly jackets. Also another style here is to dress like a
cowboy. It's very funny, the guys dress like cowboys, but classy.
I think it's a little ridiculous, many people here think so too.
- John Deluca, Ohio-Erie in Brazil

My first few days were strange. I had cried
when I left. It came over me all of a sudden as my father was
holding me and trying to convince me that he had a good feeling
about my leaving for a year. Natalie, my sister, wouldn't even
look at me. When I got to the international airport in Mumbai
(Bombay) three days later, and went to the restroom (which was a
hole in the ground), I had an alarming sense of realization that
I was in a foreign environment. - Rachel Trent, USA in India

I left Ontario for Brazil two days ago. I
believe that the Rotary Blazers are an invaluable tool. Just by
having my big red Canadian Blazer, I immediately sparked interest
from other travelers. There is nothing more comforting than when
a stranger becomes a friend and re-assures you that your journey
will be an exciting and memorable one. - Mike Laundry from
Canada in Brazil

The family ties in India are much stronger.
They eat all of their meals together, they take time to talk to
each other, they don't give their children their own rooms where
they can close themselves off from the rest of the family. the
family is important. And it shows. - Rachel Trent from USA
in India

I wholeheartedly thank you, for without
your contribution, the world would remain stagnant and would not
produce the fine young men and women you have put out to champion
the cause and challenge the world today. - Krissy Hannah,
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas on her way to Brazil

I was atop Mt. Fuji, looking down over what
was the Promised Land for me, and wondering how it happened, and
how I did it. No answer came back. - Joe Joseph from D6990
Florida at the end of his exchange in Japan

Rotary Youth Exchange - A Poem to Us by
Suzana Zelenicka, Slovakia

In the summer when we met
we were like small scared birds afraid to talk, everyone had
their own small world and didn't allow anyone to step in.

In the autumn, steps were
heard from all sides finding their way, wondering was heard when
you let your words loose

In the winter, half-time
came with hugs and kisses, deep secrets were released when we
were curling together in our sleeping bags

In the spring we were
singing together WE ARE ONE WORLD and didn't care about others
because we were important, best friends forever

In the summer, like birds
returning home we have to leave with them on their wings we're
standing in the rain of tears from our hearts when everybody goes
to different sides North, South, East, West, everywhere

We are going home and
leaving a little star behind and all those stars will join
together and create the sky Our sky.

Argentina is the second home that God gave
me. - Linda Ramirez D5100 (OR/WA) on exchange to D4930
Patagonia Argentina

I just returned from the airport this
morning. I went to say good-bye to my best friend from Mexico.
Why doesn't anyone ever tell you how hard the good-byes really
are. - Marie Lively D6990 Florida on exchange in Austria

I just want to take this time to tell you
what a wonderful time I had in Japan. As you know I went to visit
and return home with Hanif. The host families that took care of
my son were some of the most loving, caring, sweetest people that
I have ever met in my entire life. They treated Hanif just like
one of their own children. They treated me as if I were an old
friend that they had known for years. I just find it hard to
express how good this has made me feel. The people in Japan are
some of the most warm and caring people that I have ever met. I
just loved everything even the sushi. The host families treated
me so very, very good. They made me feel like royalty. -
Muslimah Suluki, Mom of exchange student Hanif D7470

I was writing an email to my Dad in France,
and there was this sentence "I think that I will have to
ship some stuff home". The problem was that I couldn't
remember AT ALL how to say "shipping" in French, my own
language. It's actually such a wonderful thing! I THINK IN
ENGLISH! I am so happy! And I so don't want to go home! -
Melanie, from France on exchange in Canada.

How has this year changed me? It has opened
my eyes to a new, broader, different prospective on life and
human purpose. It is magic what we had this past year. It is
something that binds our minds and our souls without
materialistic concerns, without caring for our flag colors, our
accents or our middle names. It was magic the moment we
discovered that we were not so alone after all - Elidor
Mehilli from Albania on exchange in Texas.

Our daughter Ashley (and all our children)
grew up with exchange students in our home. They have never known
prejudice, which I feel, is because of our giving them exposure
to all the other cultures we have shared. In addition, we
requested at her passing that donations be made to the Rotary
Foundation in her name. To date she has already been qualified as
a Paul Harris Fellow. The out-pouring of love and support from
our friends in Rotary has been overwhelming. I know without a
doubt that this is one of the reasons why Stuart and I will
continue to do Youth Exchange. Sharon Richardson, YEO D5240
Utah

Terry Mohr, YEO D5100, OR.WA recently sent
four short-term exchange students to District 1060, Birmingham,
England. Enroute, flight delays resulted in a tight 29-minute
connection in Newark - there was a good chance the four girls
would spend an unpleasant over-night stay in the Newark airport -
hotels were booked solid. Terry called the YEO nearest the Newark
Airport - Ted Krisanda, D7470. Ted tracked the flight over the
internet all day, met the exchange students at the gate, took
them to their connection, checked them in, watched their luggage
while they refreshed themselves, and called Terry from the gate
area both before and after the plane pulled away. What is great
about this story is that a mother of one of the exchange student
was a little skeptical of Rotary Youth Exchange, due a bad
experience hosting. After Ted's actions at the airport, this Mom
has totally changed her opinion of Youth Exchange, and can hardly
talk about how grateful she is to Ted and Rotary without tears
coming to her eyes. Terry Mohr, YEO D5100, OR.WA

hey!! this is Cris who is going back to
Peru today :), I want to thank you for this 10 1/2 months here. I
have learn a lot, you have no idea, like is not bad to be shy is
just the way I am, or have a bigger mind (accept more new
things), learn to love people of different cultures, find the
good part of everything...and is just so hard to say BYE, really
hard, ... is mix of feelings right now, thanks for be friends and
like a family, con mucho amor un beso para ustedes -
Cristina Berrocal going home to Peru

I've returned from my long awaited European
tour the end of May. It was all like a dream come true. My entire
life I would have never imagined that I would be on a beach in
Italy 'dipping' in the Mediterranean Sea or standing next to the
Tower of Pizza, taking a picture. I would have never thought that
I would be riding in a gondola in Venice, or crossing the famous
Charles Bridge in Prague, staring at the Balaton Sea in Hungry or
driving through the Alps in Switzerland. I never dreamed that any
of it would happen, but it did. - Demeeka from Grand Bahama
Island on exchange in Germany

Rhea, my little girl, who 12 months ago was
too intimidated to order pizza over the phone, led me around
Brazil as if I was a small child - Edie English on visiting
her daughter on exchange in Brazil.

Everything is absolutely wonderful in
Australia. Better than I would have ever imagined. I really love
it here. Am even thinking of returning to do graduate study in
Queensland in a few years and major in Marine Biology. I think
I'm turning into a true blue Aussie. Even played Cricket on the
beach on Christmas day. Christy Hamm, Ohio in Australia

Paris was totally unbelievable. I was in
awe of the entire city. We were on the Eiffel Tower at night, and
it was so spectacular. I don't know what happened really. But all
of a sudden a friend of mine from Mexico just started to cry
because it was so beautiful and we were all together, and you
know exchange students (sometimes we can be a little emotional),
here we are on the Eiffel Tower, about 30 of us and we are all
hysterical crying like babies. It was wonderful. Then I guess God
decided he would cry too. Because at that moment it started
POURING and we were all soaking wet, on the biggest lightning rod
in the world. What an experience! - Marie Lively from
Florida in Austria

At the District Conference, we did get to
see, after about eighty hours of speeches by the governor of
Osaka and district governor and chairman and president and
president-elect and vice-president-in-chief and emperor... well,
you get the point... an amazing Japanese music presentation, with
Taiko drums. A Taiko is a huge drum that a guy sort of hangs off
of and beats like a madman. - Joe Jones from Florida in
Japan

Before I came over here, I didn't see the
magic in the Rotary. After this year I'm able to see it. I will
join Rotary and try to help other kids to have the opportunity to
have this wonderful experience, like we did in the past year.
Thank you Rotary to making it possible for us to meet! Keep
smiling and World Peace! - Peter Adam from Hungary in Texas

Il y a qu'un seul problème. Je vais
bientôt partir et je commence à être un petit peu triste. Je
suis contente parce que je vais voir ma famille mais je ne veux
pas dire au revoir. Yes I am leaving soon and I don't want to say
goodbye - Yessica from Florida in France

I experienced the traditional Swedish
Easter in which we painted eggs, had an exquisite dinner, and
then received football-sized eggs filled with candy. It was
wonderful.- Neil from Florida in Sweden

I played squash and two beginner girls beat
me. I wasn't too proud of that, no offense to girls! - Neil
Moise from Florida in Sweden

Yesterday was my last day at school. I made
a speech in Japanese in front of everybody. I did not even think
to prepare myself that I might cry. But I looked into the front
row and there was one of my classmates with this scrunched up
face bawling and I lost it. My classmates broke a lot of Japanese
rules yesterday such as showing emotion, hugging, and crying.
- Forrest Dysart Oliphant in Japan

Ecuador is so awesome. The people here are
extremely nice. Already I don't want to go back to the USA. I am
learning new things everyday. Life here is so tranquil. I am not
stressed out as much, like in the States. I want to thank you for
making my exchange to Ecuador possible. It means the world to me.
- Julie Judge to Dennis Sanders, YEO D7670 North Carolina

I had a great and unforgettable experience
and that's all thanks to Rotary. When I first came and saw my mom
so sick, I started thinking if my stay there was the best thing
to do in those difficult times that my mom had to pass through;
but then after talking to her, I realized that it really was. She
never wanted me to come back and she never wanted to tell me the
truth on what was going on. She knew that I was having such a
great experience in South Carolina and that it meant a lot to me.
I'm sure she needed me more than ever, but she wanted my
happiness and success over anything in the world. After seeing
me, she told me that there's nothing more important for a mother
than seeing her daughter grow up and fight by herself in a world
as difficult as ours. Now that she saw me more mature and ready
to confront this world, she was confident that I could survive
without her help, even though her soul will always be with me.
(Special inbound student, hosted in South Carolina)

District 6600 (Northwest Ohio) YEOs
recently spent a weekend in Washington, DC on a field trip with
our exchange students. During lunch a very charming gal who
excitedly asked us if we were with Rotary Youth Exchange
approached us. I think it was our 'ROTARY' hats that gave us
away. Her name was Brady Beemer and she had spent 98-99 in Spain.
She said "It was the best year of her life!" Where have
we heard that before? She just kept repeating over and over,
Thank You Rotary, Thank You Rotary. We chaperones were certainly
on a high after that and our Inbounds who had a chance to meet
her were also impressed. We gave her a card with the new website
on it, she was thrilled to have it. Oh, by the way Brady was in
Washington to represent her state of Nebraska as their princess
in the Cherry Blossom Festival. - Jim and Sue Hunt, Wayne
and Lori Fowler, Charlie and Lori Doyle, YEOs D6600 OH

Hi, My name is Rocío Díaz and I was
Exchange Student 1995-1996 in Pennsylvania. I am from Cochabamba,
Bolivia. For me to be an Exchange Student was one of the greatest
thing that I could feel. This is a great experience because you
will feel like you are born again, because you have to learn a
lot of things like language, style of life, learn a new culture,
value all the things that have around you and before you didn't
care about it, to pray every day I said thank's God for give me
the opportunity to be part of the this Great Program. -
Rocio Diaz, Bolivia

On a cold Sunday I went with my family to
the Arima Onsen spa up in the mountains outside Kobe. It was an
incredible experience. This place was absolutely unbelievable. It
sits near the top of Mt. Rokko. One of the baths sits on the side
of the mountain and has just a glass canopy over it so it looks
out into a valley. I worried about perverts in the valley with
telescopes, but the water was so hot and the scenery so beautiful
and my washcloth so big that most of my problems seemed to
disappear. - Joe from Florida in Japan

I arrived at my second home, we had dinner
together, and then it was time for my 1st family to go home. I
don't know how other exchange students handled the moment, but I
cried. I had become very attached to them. My host mom and sister
were crying too, so that made me feel better, also the thought of
what my new family was going to think. That I'm crying at being
here? - Sherrie from Florida in Belgium