Aug 14, 2025 | Journals 2025-2026
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...
Aug 3, 2025 | Journals 2025-2026
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...
Sep 17, 2024 | Journals 2024-2025
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...
Sep 5, 2024 | Journals 2024-2025
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...
Sep 5, 2024 | Journals 2024-2025
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...
Sep 5, 2024 | Journals 2024-2025
My exchange so far has been an awesome experience. I cried a few times in the airport when I was leaving but was so glad to arrive. I met my host mom, Marit and my host sister, Felicia, and our neighbors. I got to tour my school before classes started and it’s like a...
