Youth exchange programme a life changer
Growing number of foreign students making their way to Zululand over the past years
EXPERIENCING life in a foreign country opens up many enrichment opportunities for those who have the courage to make the big move.
For Rotary youth exchange students, the decision to spend time in sunny South Africa has proven to be an experience of a lifetime.
With a growing number of foreign students making their way to Zululand over the past years, the programme is proving to be a great success.
‘The programme gave me the opportunity to experience everyday life in a foreign country within the safe environment of local families and under the guidance of a mentor from the host Rotary club,’ said Empangeni resident Anne Soldat.
‘Attendance at a local school ensures participation in age-appropriate activities and creates an opportunity to meet other teenagers.
‘It promotes understanding and tolerance between people of different nations.
‘Being an exchange student is an amazing experience because you have the opportunity to see another part of the world, immerse oneself in another culture and meet many wonderful people,’ said Belgium exchange student Coralie Duliere, who is enjoying her stay with Empangeni-based host families before her return in July.
‘There are many reasons to say yes to this experience.
‘When we make an effort to get to know and understand another culture, we accept that differences are just differences, not right or wrong, better or worse.’
