Transformational travel for teens: Rotary exchanges are back

SAVOURING SICILY: Powell River’s Alex Southcott and his Rotary exchange partner Paolo Rodolico overseas in 2015. Paolo also spent time here.

BY JOYCE CARLSON | ROTARY CLUB OF POWELL RIVER

A direct exchange program available through Rotary International and The Rotary Club of Powell River gives young people the opportunity to bring part of the world to their families. The Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) allows a young person from this community to undertake a summer exchange anywhere from three to five weeks to another country and host a young person here.

In 2015, Alex Southcott applied to be a participant; his mother Isabelle Southcott (the publisher of qathet Living magazine) was a Rotarian at the time and was aware of the program.

“Living in Powell River, young people don’t always have the opportunity to see different parts of the world. It’s so important for their personal development.”

Alex travelled to Sicily for three weeks after hosting his counterpart Paolo Rodolico here in Powell River for three weeks. The two first met at Vancouver International Airport when Alex and his mom picked up Paolo although they had been communicating over social media before then.

Alex remembers Paolo’s excitement and awe when he saw wildlife such as bears and deer, and the natural beauty of this area.

“Real Siguoin, a Rotarian, took us up the lake to his float cabin; we rode our bikes all around Townsite and swam in the quarry on Texada (Island).”

Thinking back on this time in Sicily with Paolo and his family, Alex has memories of the beach at the densely populated city of Palermo, fresh croissants and cobblestone roads, an impact of the Romans.

“The food, pasta and pizza, was really different from what you get here,” he said. “And it was very hot, in the 40s most of the time I was there. From 1 to 4 pm, the city shuts down. I enjoyed learning about a different culture and its history.”

He recalls going to a fish market with all the fish laid out on ice. “Small fish is fried until it’s really crispy and they eat the whole things, bones and head.”

Living in a big city in an apartment on the sixth floor was quite the change from his small town.

“It was a wonderful experience for Alex who showed huge personal growth as a result of that trip alone,” said Isabelle, “and it would be for any young person.”

“I encourage anyone to apply to be part of this program,” added Alex. “They are going to have the summer of their lives.”

Does your teen have itchy feet?

Rotary International’s Short Term Exchange Program places individual teens in a home overseas for about three weeks, and asks local families to host an international teen as well.

Anyone interested in applying can contact the local Rotary Club at rotaryclubofpowellriver@gmail.com, attention International and Youth Director, or look for an information sheet at Brooks Secondary School. More information can be found on the Rotary International website.

STEP is open to students 15-19. Deadline for applying is January 1 of the travel year. All countries must meet strict Rotary International guidelines. There is an administrative fee of $150 for orientation training.

Families are responsible for the flight and insurance costs as well as discretionary spending money.