2025-26 Jaydin– outbound to Sweden

2025-26 Jaydin– outbound to Sweden

Hi. Welcome to my first journal entry regarding my 2025-2026 Rotary Youth Exchange. It took some time, but everything has finally fallen into place. I think that’s pretty cool.My journey has been one of perseverance so far, and I’m grateful to have pushed...
2025-26 Soren – outbound to Japan

2025-26 Soren – outbound to Japan

This is my first time writing a journal entry that has not been for school. So, please bear with me.I am departing for Japan this upcoming Friday (August 15th) and have been eagerly counting down the days until I leave. I’m currently finishing up packing my bags and...
2025-26 Asiri outbound to Switzerland

2025-26 Asiri outbound to Switzerland

I’m leaving for Switzerland in less than two days but it feels like I was just at the RYE interviews. I’m still in shock that I’ve been able to come this far and have been granted this opportunity. For me personally knowing I was going to be gone for...
2024-25, Mikaela outbound for Brazil

2024-25, Mikaela outbound for Brazil

It’s hard to believe this time a year ago I didn’t even know I was going to apply for the RYE exchange program let alone actually be an exchange student. Now a short while away from my departure everything feels so surreal. Throughout my whole process I have faced...
2024-25, Elinor outbound for Spain

2024-25, Elinor outbound for Spain

To my first blog I have written in my life: First, hello, my name is Elinor Kaplan. I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and I recently turned 17. I graduated early from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts to participate in Rotary’s 2024-25 exchange program. My exchange...
2024-25, Stella outbound to Taiwan

2024-25, Stella outbound to Taiwan

Hello, my name is Stella Azam. I am 17 years old and currently in Taiwan for the RYE study abroad program. I arrived at the Kaohsiung airport at 11:00 PM on the 24th of August to be greeted by a herd of Rotarians and who I assume to be all of their relatives. My 1st...