Although I have already been accepted, I want to fill you all in
on the process I went through to become an exchange student.
First I had to talk to my local rotary
representative. (I was lucky because I personally know the Rotary District
Youth Exchange Officer.) We corresponded via email for a while about
requirements, preliminary costs, and all of that kind of basic stuff we had to
get out of the way. This part will seem drawn out, and pointless; but all of
this information you get early on will be very helpful later on in the process.
Next came the paperwork. The application
was 19 pages long, not including extra copies, transcripts, letters from
teachers, and other various forms and letters. One strategy I found helpful was
to print off one copy of the paperwork, and fill it out in pencil so that you
can fill out the paper in pen, write out questions about the form, and take it
with you when you visit with your local rotary representative. When you fill
out the paperwork, be sure to REALLY go through all of the requirements. Keep
in mind details like ALWAYS putting your last name in all caps, signing in blue
ink, and putting all dates in international format. These details (among
others) may seem a little tedious and pointless now, but it will be very
important later on that all of your paperwork is correct so that you can get
one of your top country choices.
Then you will do your preliminary
interview with your rotary representative; do not worry about a thing. If you
are confident, and professional this interview will go successfully, and you
will be accepted to move on to the next interview. One thing I would definitely
do for this interview is be prepared to ask questions. The rotary
representative is there to help you, and although you do want to seem confident
they are your best resource, and it will be much easier to ask all of your
questions in person, than later via email. So for your interview remember to
bring your best attitude, relax, be confident, and bring your application
(completed in pencil) to fill in a little more with your rotary representative.
Be sure to turn in all of your paperwork
on time in order to be accepted to move on to your next session of interviews.
TRY and make it as perfect as you can, but don't stress too much, because you
will be able to revise it some more once you are accepted to the program.
Your application, and initial interview
are very important, so be very careful when you complete these processes. Once
you are done with the application you will feel so accomplished. Be ready for a
challenge, and once the application is complete, celebrate, because you will
deserve it!
