District 2240 Newsletter
(12/19/2024)

Rotary Youth Exchange Slovakia – Studying Abroad through Rotary Slovakia

Orientation Meeting 2 for Outbounds (Slovak students interested in a long-term exchange study programme abroad for the 2025/26 school year) took place in Strečno on 23–24 November 2024.

The event in Strečno brought together members of RYE Slovakia in District 2240 (Czech Republic and Slovakia), some Youth Exchange Officers (YEOs) from Rotary clubs (Rotarians responsible for this agenda within their respective Rotary clubs), and most importantly, the Outbounds who were selected and recommended by Rotary clubs across the Slovak part of District 2240.

Interviews covered a wide range of topics, including: knowledge about Slovakia (natural landmarks, inventors, renowned athletes, artists, historically significant figures, and more); understanding of the sponsoring Rotary club and its activities; potential risks at airports; cultural shock; language barriers, and many other areas essential for Outbounds. English language proficiency tests were also part of the process.

During both days, future Outbounds had the opportunity to interact actively with Inbounds who attended the interviews. These included both former and current participants from countries such as Taiwan, the USA, Brazil, and Mexico.

Each day concluded with a meeting of commission chairs followed by a final evaluation of the candidates. It was a pleasure to see that Rotary clubs are working at a high level with young people, selecting truly intelligent and capable candidates who performed exceptionally well throughout the two-day interviews.

Special thanks go to Rotary Club Žilina for their excellent organisation.

We are already preparing for and looking forward to Orientation Meeting 3 in Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise), where members of Rotary Club Spišská Nová Ves will, as usual, handle the organisation.

František Kornaj
Member of DR RYE n.o. Slovakia at DVVM D2240 Czech Republic and Slovakia