The Long-Term Effects of Youth Exchange. District 5440 Outbound Student Orientation April 2015 Adapted from a presentation by Dennis White, Ph.D.

Transcription

1 The Long-Term Effects of Youth Exchange District 5440 Outbound Student Orientation April 2015 Adapted from a presentation by Dennis White, Ph.D.

2 Long-term Effects There are many wonderful stories that illustrates how Youth Exchange makes positive, permanent life changes for people. Many youth exchange students go on to make positive impacts in their community.

3 How Have I Changed? An exercise using 44 statements that have often been identified by exchange students as significant changes from the experience. - Immediately after return - 10 or more years later

4 I saw my country from the outside and I saw my host country from the inside, which showed me what 'point of view' means. Natalia Rodriques

5 Ethnorelativism: The acquired ability to see many values and behaviors as cultural rather than universal.

6 Since I came back to my country, Spain, I've been realizing all I learned here, I thought I knew it, but I didn't so much. I had hard times getting used to my new life in Spain, getting back to my own country, family and culture again. Laura Sanchez Leon

7 I'm a new person. I'm not the same Laura that I used to be. I have grown up and I've discovered things about myself. I know who I am now, what I want in life and how I want it, and this is the result of my Rotary experience in the US. Laura Sanchez Leon

8 Typical Short-term Changes Personal development and competence Intercultural learning Relations to the host country Foreign languages Social competence

9 More abstract changes: Perceptiveness Tolerance of differences Adaptability/creativity

10 Living Outside the Box Living abroad boosts creativity Living in another country can be a cherished experience, but new research suggests it might also help expand minds. This research, published by the American Psychological Association, is the first of its kind to look at the link between living abroad and creativity.

11 I learned to think outside the box, see the world with other eyes Natalia Rodriques

12 I had so much fun, I learned a new language, I made wonderful friends from all over the world, I met awesome people here, like my host families, I traveled around the states and I just couldn't ask for anything else.

13 But, this was just the beginning of my new life. I was just 15 years old when I came to the US, and 16 years old when I went back to Spain, but when I returned I felt like I could do whatever I wanted for my life, I was ready for everything.

14 I'm graduating next year and I've worked with Rotary Spain as a Rotex, I contributed with the Spanish Red cross, and I hope to become an international relations student someday.

15 It took me a while to recognize everything I learned here, all the life values that the Rotarians taught me. I am so glad that I did it and I want to say THANK YOU again, for giving me the opportunity to be here during a year, to learn so much, to share all those values with me, and to make me a better person. Thank you Rotary Club of Scottsdale. Laura Sanchez Leon

16 as you hear from most exchange students, I had the best year of my life. I learned more about myself, about who I am and who I'm not. I learned about culture and that culture you don't have to judge, you have to respect.

17 I've been in places and done things I would never imagine I would do. Also, I learned how important it is to say 'thank you'. Thank you all for being part of the best year of my life. Natalia Rodriques

18 Typical Short-term Changes Personal development and competence Intercultural learning Relations to the host country Foreign languages Social competence

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20 Long Term (10 year) studies: A Nice Experience to Have (20%) Mosaic (20%) Domino (30%) Turning point (30%) Domino + Turning Point = 60%

21 1964 Jacksonville Florida

22 Vivi-Anne Asell

23 I soon learned that people all over the world are very similar but do things in very different ways. In the beginning it seems so odd but by the end you see that everything in that culture really does work. This made me respect people more for who they really are.

24 At the age of 16 you are in the process of growing up - but you are not really there yet. You have a lot of questions about life, people, behaviors and so on. When I left my secure home to a completely new family, friends and surroundings I discovered the strengths in myself and of course the weaknesses in myself and learned to deal with them

25 Now, I feel secure wherever I go and know that if I act from my heart and with good sense I will always be able to handle the challenges I may face.

26 The year meant so much both in learning about myself and another culture. I believe this exchange was the initial trigger for a chain of constructive activities. It was clearly the spark for igniting my personal development for the rest of my life.

27 Terri Sawyer

28 Rotary Youth Exchange did not change my life It gave birth to it!

29 Before my exchange, I had the dream of working in the factory or waiting tables in my little town in Pennsylvania. Then, the love of my host parents and friends began to touch me. And by the time I got on the plane to go home, I could not shake the feeling that somehow I had changed. From there it led to everything in my life.

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31 The Creed This is my experience. Many have been here before And many will follow But this time is mine.

32 The Creed, continued My journey will present numerous doors to unlimited opportunities. Some of these doors will be open, some will be closed. But one thing I know for certain, the key to all doors lies within.

33 Fantastic Opportunity This is your exchange Nearly unlimited potential Get out of it what you put into it It can be a defining and life-changing experience What will you do?

34 QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS??