HORSHAM Men's Probus Club welcomed Rotary Youth Exchange Victoria assistant executive officer Sue Williams as a guest speaker at its June meeting.
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Mrs Williams, a Horsham Rotary Club member, spoke about the exchange, how students were assessed for it, and the activities they took part in.
She said students applying for youth exchange from Rotary District 9780 – which extends from Geelong to Mt Gambier and includes the Wimmera – attended a weekend at Halls Gap in May to enhance their leadership and team-building skills before a formal interview in Ballarat.
Students were assessed, with their overall score determining whether they would be accepted into the program. The scores also helped determine the ranking of student preferences for the country of exchange.
"One student given her 10th country of choice said on her return it was the best year of her life," Mrs Williams said.
Students selected for exchange had briefings in July and November on issues including banking, insurance and packing.
Outbound students leave Australia in January each year and spend a year overseas. Incoming students arrive in July.
Mrs Williams said the number of students on exchange in District 9780 had fallen in the past few years because of a lack of host families.
Later during the meeting, president Neville Smith inducted new member Robert King.
Horsham’s Lisa Cosson will speak about healthy living at the July meeting.
