PAPER WORK!!

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!