06 May 2022
QHS School Captain, Josie Green had a fabulous time on her ‘Rotary Youth Exchange’ to Denmark in 2020/2021 and encourages other students to consider the opportunity.
Any student who will be in Year 9,10 or 11 in 2023 can apply. See link below for more info.
“I did my exchange in Denmark, but, was fortunate to also travel to Germany and France during my time away,” said Josie who added… “The opportunity also enhanced my independence and leadership skills, which I feel are strengths for my role as one of the School Captains of QHS.”
Jose said she gained independence – living with other people as a guest, and having the make the call to stay overseas when Covid first broke out across the globe.
“I had to make the decision to stay during the Covid outbreak, so it was a big decision, and my family and I decided it was safe for me to stay and see out the end of my Exchange, which proved to be the right decision.”
As well as learning about the country and the culture of Denmark, Josie said actually living in the country of her choice for an extended period gave her a greater insight into how other nations operate.
“While Denmark is it is a cosy country and the people have a gentle way of being, they are a very progressive country and are quick to adapt to modern ideas or ways of being.”
The Year 12 student added she is still in contact with friends she made in Denmark, and just this week found out a group photo she had taken with her school friends over there was used on the schools homepage on their website.
“I will continue to visit and stay in touch with theses friends for life.”
While it was scary at first to think about applying, Josie said the Quirindi Rotary Club were amazing support through the entire process.
“It was scary at first to apply, and the week before my departure I was really nervous, but, once I was there, it was fun. Doing and exchange, you get to experience living in another place and meeting new people and having adventures, I really loved it and wish I could do it all over again.”
Any students wanting to find out more can come and have a chat to josie green, just see her in the school grounds.
“Quirindi Rotary Club were fabulous to deal with, all of them were amazing and supported the entire process, I can’t thank them enough for this lifechanging opportunity and encourage other to apply.”
Rotary Youth Exchange Australia provides an opportunity of a lifetime for Australian high school students to live and study abroad.
You'll spend up to 12 months living and studying in a foreign country, learning a lot about yourself and the culture of your adopted host families.
Rotary anticipate that the successful students will leave Sydney in January 2023 provided that the pandemic and government regulations allow this to occur.
Due to new regulations from the NSW Department of Education, outbound student applicants must be in Year 9, 10 or 11 in the year they make application to be eligible for the program.
All outbound students will be required to return to secondary education in Australia for at least one scholastic year.
The preferred age of applicants is between 15 to 17 years
To find out further information go to the website link below.