接觸不同文化是促進國際瞭解與和平最強而有力的一種方法。扶輪青少年交換計畫提供好幾千位的青少年與其他國家人士接觸的機會,體驗新文化,種下國際瞭解的終生種子。
Exposure to different cultures ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote international understanding and peace. The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides thousands of young students with the opportunity to meet people from other countries and to experience new cultures, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.
本計畫提供青年學生與扶輪接待家庭、扶輪義工,以及社區整體許多的助益。透過青少年交換,學生能第一手學習外國生活的各個面向。隨著對於世界的概念不斷擴張,他們漸趨成熟,發展對自己更深層的瞭解。融入外國的教育體制,加強了他們的學業與個人成長。接待扶輪社與家庭和社區整體也因為與來自不同文化的廣泛、友善接觸而豐富。
The program offers numerous benefits to its young participants and their Rotarian hosts and mentors, as well as to the community at large. Through Youth Exchange, students learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As their concept of the world expands, they mature and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Immersion in another country’s educational system enhances their academic and personal growth. Host clubs and families and the entire community are enriched by extended, friendly contact with someone from a different culture.
青少年交換始於1920年代,在歐洲幾個扶輪社中進行。這些歐洲的交換在二次世界大戰時停止,於1946年恢復,雙方的長期交換在1950年代大幅成長,成為扶輪青少年交換的主要種類。1972年,RI理事會同意把青少年交換推廣到世界各社,作為值得進行的國際活動。今日,每年有超過八千名青少年交換學生出訪到80多國生活與學習。
Youth Exchange began during the 1920s as an effort between a handful of clubs in Europe. These European exchanges continued until World War II and resumed in 1946. The reciprocal long-term academic exchange grew in popularity during the 1950s and became the primary type of Rotary Youth Exchange. In 1972, the RI Board of Directors agreed to recommend Youth Exchange to clubs worldwide as a worthwhile international activity. Today, more than 8,000 Youth Exchange students travel abroad each year to live and study in about 80 countries.
此種交換通常為期一年,期間學生在接待國與一個以上的家庭共同生活,也要在該國的學校上課。長期交換可以延伸到包含學年開始或結束前後的假期。
Long-term exchange. These exchanges usually last one year, during which the student lives with more than one family in the host country and is required to attend school there. Long-term exchanges may be extended to include part or all of the holiday/vacation periods immediately before and after the academic year.
此種交換為期從數天到數週都有,通常是在假期進行,學生不需在學校上課。短期交換通常包括在接待國的一個接待家庭裡體驗生活並住宿。但也可以組織國際青年營或旅遊,讓來自世界各地的學生能有機會互相認識。
Short-term exchange. These exchanges vary from several days to several weeks; they often take place when school is not in session and usually do not include an academic program. Short-term exchanges generally involve a homestay experience with a family in the host country, but they can also be organized as international youth camps or tours that bring together students from many countries.