#district orientation

[mariainswitzerland-blog]

District Orientation #2

4 May 2017

Today I had the privilege of attending our second district orientation, which was conveniently the day before the APUSH exam. Still, it was really awesome to see everyone again, and learn more about exchange!

The topic this time was culture shock and reverse culture shock. Rotarians presented on the general cycle of how adaptation in a new country works, as well as strategies about how to navigate it. Furthermore, they discussed the relativism of culture - that cultures aren’t necessarily good or bad, just different. The importance of learning the language was reemphasized, and the night was over.

There were also a number of exchange students that spoke, including ones from France and Chile, as well as a Rotex to the Netherlands. They commented a lot about their experiences regarding culture shock. Also, one of the girls from France gave one of her Rotary speeches, which was very well done and gave me a good idea of where I should start with mine. Unfortunately, because of the impending APUSH test, I wasn’t able to stay long to talk with people afterwards.

Finally, we received some pins, shirts (not blazers yet), and turned in our research assignments. I finished mine nearly a month ago, so it was great reading through it again. I’m so excited for what this next year has in store - with it’s highs, lows, and everything in between!

[naomi-in-italy-blog]

District Orientation #1

March 4, 2017 A week ago, I went to my first Rotary orientation, and it was pretty great. Exchange feels so much more real now, and I still can't believe that it is really happening! It's so surreal that a year ago I was wishing I was in this situation, and now I'm actually here! The orientation was at a local high school, and started at 9:00 AM. My sister and I signed in, and picked up the schedule for the day, a notice about our next orientation (in early May), the homework assignment due at said orientation (which is waaay longer than I expected, but seems super interesting), and these really spiffy, professional-looking name badges. Before the start of the orientation, I signed the last of the forms needed for the application and turned in the last hard copies needed, so my application is officially complete! The orientation itself wasn't too interesting. It lasted about four hours, and it was more for the parents, in my opinion. The presenters covered basic information about Rotary, expectations for students while abroad, rules, insurance, travel, and abuse education. I didn't really learn anything new, but I think my parents are slowly warming up to the idea of exchange, which makes me really excited. The best thing about the orientation was the people. My district currently has 7 long term inbounds, 19 short term outbounds, and 4 long term outbounds. During the break in the middle, I was able to talk to this really nice Rotex from Chile, who was able to give me a lot of insight as to what exchange in general is like. I also chatted with one of the short term outbounds who is also going to Italy, who is also incredibly nice. I feel like the community and support provided by Rotary before leaving on exchange is extremely valuable, and has made me even more excited to leave. The orientation was, if not super educational, extremely interesting and fun, and I cannot wait for the next one (although it is the night before the APUSH exam, which isn't ideal). Exchange is such a great opportunity, and I can't wait to pursue it more!

[mariainswitzerland-blog]

District Orientation #1

4 March 2017

Today was my first district orientation and my first Rotary event after being accepted into the program, and it was amazing. It was a much-needed outlet for all of the excitement that I feel obligated to hide when I’m around my friends from my school or my church. Furthermore, it was a huge relief to turn in the hard copies of my application - everything is finally in!

In terms of information aimed only at the students, I had already heard most of what was presented. It mainly had to do with rules, expectations, tips, and how to deal with problems or abuse; which are all available online if you do some minor digging. If anything, I firmly believe that this particular orientation was more valuable for my parents. The majority of the time was spent discussing things like health insurance, outlining the travel procedures, and generally showing how Rotary will ensure an Outbound’s safety while abroad. I’m not saying that this wasn’t relevant to me (it was all very, very important) - it just helped my parents become more at ease with the program. In total, it probably lasted about 3 and a half hours, but both short- and long-term Outbounds (and their parents) were in the same room the entire time.

The highlight of the orientation was being able to meet and talk with the amazing Outbounds, Inbounds, and Rotex in my district. Each shared a little about their exchange and some tips in front of the group, and I was able to chat with a Rotex (to Chile) and one of the Inbounds from France! It was so motivating and interesting to hear about both of their experiences!

The last kind of significant happening was that I received my Research Assignment, which I really haven’t seen discussed a lot. It was so much more than I expected (4 pages of questions?!) and is due at my next orientation in May.

In short, the orientation was great! My only regret was that I was so scatterbrained because I had to make it to my Solo Ensemble competition right afterwards. This is such an amazing opportunity that Rotary is able to provide, and I am so grateful to all of the lovely Rotarians in my district! Can it be August yet?

[rotaryyouthexchangevenezuel-blog]

First -District -orientation

I had my first district orientation today (yes...very exciting :P). All the outbounds were present with their parents and many rotarians too. We were given LONG lectures about rules, etiquette, do's and dont's, visa, insurance. It was a bit boring but I was sitting beside Allan (he is an outbound to Brazil and is a very good friend to me; good boy ) so it made the lecturing a tad less boring. The most important part was the "sacred" 4 D's- No Drinking, Driving, Drugs, Dating...(yeah we have to follow them or we will be sent home). I have no idea how I am going to stop myself from dating those very HOT Venezuelans :P haha...jk (Rotary...please be lenient with the last D ) :P... My favourite part of the orientation was the one where they discussed the blazer, pins, business cards, and India's flags.. :D After the presentation I suddenly realised that it will be very soon when I will be leaving....everything is happening fassstttt!! I cannot wait to go. Right now I am waiting for any information about my family and city. I have my exams in a week.. :( (I know too bad )...Until then. Love ya :*

XOXO

peace.