The inbound international exchange students along with the upcoming 2026-27 outbound students headed up to Ely, MN, the weekend of March 13-15 for a Northwoods Adventure. Our group was warmly welcomed by the Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on Moose Lake. A highlight of the weekend was learning about dog sledding from musher “Peter” of White Wilderness Adventures, topped by a ride through the woods in fresh snow!
The inbound international students were privileged to volunteer at the Ely Film Festival and also visit the International Wolf Center, while the outbounds attended orientation sessions to prepare them for their upcoming year abroad. This gathering was the last district sponsored event for the inbound international exchange students who had formed a close bond with one another. They reflected on their year and prepared for the highly emotional process of return. Each felt that the experience was much more than they had anticipated, and they were amazed at their own personal growth and increased confidence. All the students were required to prepare and practice a brief presentation related to the exchange experience that will be given to Rotary Clubs.
The outbounds shared what they will present about their lives in ND, MN and WI when they arrive in their host countries; family, school, community, and home Rotary Clubs. The international inbound students all agreed that it was extremely difficult to shrink their amazing experience here in District 5580 into a short presentation.
The Rotary Youth Exchange mantra “It’s not a year in a lifetime … it’s a lifetime in a year” once again held true for each of them, as this group of future peacemakers steps out into the world to leave their mark.
To learn more about youth exchange, please contact: Deborah.Maertens@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbTJ3z4B4Iw
