JANUARY ORIENTATION & TRAINING

Required for Outbound Short-Term students and Long-Term Outbound Candidates and Alternates.

Each January, usually the first weekend, we take our Outbound Students, both those interested in Short Term and Long Term exchanges for a weekend of training at  Canby Grove Camp and Retreat Center. Over these 3 days we instruct the students regarding being a Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador, budgeting, culture, language, culture shock, food and more.

Rebound and ROTEX students who went on exchange in recent years participate in a panel discussion about common situations that occur during the exchange. Students are encouraged to ask questions.

Parents attend this training and a panel of Rebound parents will provide them with insights into how to cope with and support your student while on exchange. Some of these families have sent ALL of their children on exchange.

Country Fair – The students participate in a country fair to learn more about the areas and countries they would like to consider for exchange. There is an abbreviated version of the fair for the parents as well.

At the end of this training, students will be asked to identify their top 5 considerations for their exchange countries. Don’t be surprised if they change… they often do.

Camp Map

EASTERN OREGON DISCOVERY TOUR

Required for Long-Term Outbound Candidates and Inbound Students.

The Eastern Oregon Discovery Tour is held in late January/Early February. It is during this trip that OB student candidates spend time with IB students to learn more about the countries they are interested in for their exchange. We also conduct additional training to prepare our students for their year abroad.

On our way to Eastern Oregon, we stop at the Hermiston Club for lunch. Students introduce themselves and we learn about their club and this part of Eastern Oregon. Students also learn about Shelter Box. By District Conference, students will raise funds to support Rotary and Shelterbox. Service is an integral part of being a rotary exchange student.

Cove Ascension Youth Camp – This is the camp we stay at during the trip

Anthony Lakes The Resort where we take the students skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Shelter Box – Students will learn about this organization and the support of people during disaster situations, like hurricanes, mudslides and tsunamis.