New youth exchange for Bellingen Rotary as two international students head home

BELLINGEN Rotary has farewelled two outstanding international students who have completed their year-long exchange in the community through the District 9660 Rotary Youth Exchange Program (YEP).

Taro Okamoto from Japan set off for home on Monday 21 July, and Sofia Escarcega from Mexico left on Wednesday 23 July.

The program provides students aged 15–17 with the unique opportunity to live and study in a different country for a year.

It is a one-for-one exchange that not only broadens horizons but also builds lifelong cultural understanding.

Students typically live with four host families, giving them a diverse experience of local life.

Both students experienced a warm welcome by Bellingen host families and the community, and have made lasting connections at Bellingen High School where they were students for the year.

“Taro became proficient in Aussie English and was a standout in mathematics, while Sofia learnt our Aussie lingo,” Bellingen Rotarian for YEP Diana Christian told News Of The Area.

“Both students embraced all the experiences on offer, from surfing and camping to forming close friendships at school.”

In August, Bellingen Rotary will welcome Murilo, a 17-year-old student from Brazil.

Murilo will attend Bellingen High School and is excited to experience Australian life.

In communication with the club, he writes that he enjoys basketball, tennis, running, going to the gym, and spending time with his dog.

He dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.

Bellingen Rotary is currently seeking local host families to welcome Murilo during his exchange year.

Hosting is for a three to four-month period and is a unique opportunity to share Australian culture, build lasting international friendships, and support a young person’s educational journey.

“Being a Rotary Youth Exchange host family is a fun, educational and rewarding experience that can lead to lifelong friendships and relationships, not just with your exchange student but their family, other host families, and Rotary members involved in the community.”

Host families come in many shapes and sizes, there is no typical family structure required.

All that is expected is that a caring and friendly family and home atmosphere is provided.

NSW Child Protection requires family members over the age of 18 years to hold a NSW Working with Children’s Check and they must complete a Rotary Volunteer Information Declaration, which can be done with the club’s assistance.

By Andrea FERRARI