My Life as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

Capri, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article for our website about finding a home in the Old Town of Prague: “With every new adventure I take, be it hiking up the snow mountain of Harrachov or viewing art exhibitions with my host mom, Prague has felt less like looking at a postcard and more like a part of my story. I still have lots to learn and struggles to overcome, but I’ve gone from feeling like a visitor to feeling almost at home, right here in the Old Town.”

Ella, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article for our website in which she says, among other things: “My host family opened their Pasta restaurant the first week of October. I was quite lucky to have tried all the meals on their menu leading up to the opening of the restaurant. I began my first hospital practice the second week of October, it was so cool to get a firsthand look at how healthcare works in Czechia.”

Martina, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article about her first months: “Being in another country alone at this age is like having a divided heart: one part there, another here. And although I miss my home very much, I also know that, somehow, I am building another home inside me. I may never stop missing my home, but now I understand that growing up is also learning to feel at home in more than one place at a time.

Daniela, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article about her rafting trip: “The day dawned sunny and perfect for adventure. We all met by the Vltava River, where the rafts and life jackets were waiting for us. At first, I felt a little nervous, but my host sister’s friends were very kind and explained how to paddle, how to balance the raft, and what to do if I fell in. Soon we were all laughing as we tried to stay on course in the gentle currents.”

Annagayle, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article for our website in which she says, among other things:
“By October, things started to feel more like everyday life. I learned to ride the bus by myself (a small victory that felt huge), started taking Czech lessons every Tuesday, and grew closer to the other exchange students in my district. My friends and I celebrated birthdays, had sushi nights, and went on hikes through colorful fall forests.”

Anna, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article for our website in which she says, among other things:
“I arrived in Vienna on August 26th for my long-awaited exchange year in Slovakia. Even though this is not my first exchange program, I found myself as anxious as if it were my first time outside Brazil again. Staying in a village with only 1800 inhabitants was definitely scary for someone who comes from such a big country as Brazil, but I am managing to enjoy my time here more than I could ever expected.”

Marla, who is staying with us on a year-long exchange program, wrote an article for our website in which she says, among other things:
“On October 18th, I went on a hike to Dyleň with my Rotary Club. It was such a special experience where we got to spend time together, connect with nature, and enjoy a day full of laughter and friendship.
We were a diverse group of exchange students representing five countries — Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States. It was amazing to see how Rotary brings together people from all around the world.”

Spending my second month in Czechia has been a whirlwind of autumn colors, community events, and unforgettable moments as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. From quiet days in Třebíč to helping prepare a village celebration and exploring Brno’s historic landmarks, October was full of growth, culture, and new beginnings. Here’s how Czechia is slowly becoming “home.”

September 14th marked an important day for the village of Senorady. It was time for the festival of “Hody” To begin after tireless preparations spanning months prior. “Hody” directly translating to “The Feast” is a traditional festival celebrated mainly in the Moravian area of Czechia and Slovakia. Every village’s Hody celebration is unique in its timing, dress and traditions. It includes friends, food , dancing, drinking, traditional wear known as “kroj” and the maypole known as mája. I was extremely lucky to get the chance to not only attend Hody but help in the preparations as well as wear the traditional dress. It’s hard to say I had a favourite part as the whole experience was amazing but if I did it would be the dancing. To watch everyone dance was nothing short of mesmerizing and I even got the chance to try it out myself (It’ll definitely need some work).

Leaving is never easy. Especially when you’re saying goodbye not only to a country, but also to friends, experiences, and a year that has changed your life forever. From June 9 to 15, 52 exchange students of District 2240 gathered in Lednice to close one of the most...