During the first autumn weekend of this year, the historic town of Kroměříž became the focal point for a gathering of inbound students on the Rotary Youth Exchange Czechia programme. The three-day Orientation Meeting offered a rich programme packed with education, team-building activities and the sharing of experiences. Running in parallel was a meeting of Rotarians and Saturday training for Youth Exchange Officers (YEOs).

During the first autumn weekend of this year, the historic town of Kroměříž became the hub for inbound students on the Rotary Youth Exchange Czechia programme. The three-day Orientation Meeting offered a rich schedule full of education, team-building activities and the sharing of experiences. Running simultaneously were a gathering of Rotarians and Saturday training for Youth Exchange Officers (YEOs).

The first participants began to arrive on Friday afternoon at the Dormitory of the Secondary School - Centre for Technical Training Kroměříž, which has long provided its facilities for these events. After a shared dinner came the official opening, information on the Eurotour and ice-breaker activities for the inbound students, who were meeting en masse for the first time.

Saturday was devoted to YEO training. In the morning, Jaromír Barák gave an overview of the long-term exchange programme - its principles, rules and the range of possible host countries for 2026/27. This was followed by presentations on short-term exchanges: Žiga Schmidt covered camps (aims, organisation, club-level selection and evaluation) and Kateřina Mikulková spoke about family exchanges (objectives, organisation, club selection and evaluation). There was ample room for questions and discussion throughout. Time was then set aside for long-term matters: planning for 2025/26, travel regulations, schooling, and the importance of counsellors and host families. Insurance, visas and application procedures were also addressed, before moving on to work in web applications, data entry and user access. The session concluded with an open discussion.

Meanwhile, the inbound students sat language tests and attended presentations on the Czech Republic and Slovakia, culture shock and practical tips on coping with exchange from Rotex. They were also briefed on programme rules concerning travel and visits by Ondrej Kollár.

After the working sessions, Rotarians and inbound students joined a guided tour of Kroměříž. The evening programme for students was filled with social games, fun, laughter, joy and the forging of new friendships.

On Sunday morning the students attended further presentations focused on web applications, reports, blogs, a detailed explanation of travel rules, home visits, return flights and guidance on visas and insurance.

The meeting was a welcome opportunity for students, Rotex and Rotarians to share experiences and enjoy friendly fellowship. This year’s edition took place in a very warm atmosphere and was honoured by the presence of District Governor Jan Bílek.

Sincere thanks for the flawless organisation go to the leadership of RYE and Rotex.

The next RYE Czechia event will be the Czechia + Slovakia Rebound Meeting, to be held from 10-12 October in Křížanov near Velké Meziříčí.

Marie Smrčková