Country Selection Process for LTEP OB

Country Selection for Long-Term Exchange

Does a student get to choose their country? This a frequent question. And the answer is … yes and no. The countries we exchange with are those we know run top-quality programs, and we re-evaluate them each year. We normally have a longstanding exchange relationship with our exchange countries and know that we can rely on them. We have often met key people involved in the operation of the Rotary exchange Program in our partner countries.

There are a limited number of exchanges available with each country, and we will not overload any country in either direction, inbound or outbound. When applying for an exchange you can nominate your five preferred countries and we will endeavor to provide one of your choices, but you might also go to another country.

The philosophy of the Rotary exchange program is that the exchange experience is the key part of an exchange and that this is not country dependent. 

With this in mind, do yourself a favor and learn about all the other regions and countries. You will be surprised to overcome some objections you might have based upon preconceived notions. You might find you are wrong. Maybe a country you hadn’t thought about before will become your new favorite.

Considerations

• The list of countries is subject to change from year to year and placement in a particular country is not guaranteed. We encourage you to keep a curious, open mind and be willing to expand your cultural boundaries in many different directions.
• Your country choice may depend on a variety of factors, including availability, your age, your language preparation, and even your health or diet. We discuss these details at our January orientations before you actually make your selection.
• Most of our partner countries will not accommodate major dietary restrictions. If you are a vegetarian, would you consider eating meat during your year abroad? If you have food allergies, are lactose intolerant or have religious dietary restrictions, these needs may be accommodated.
• In some countries, you may be asked to remove any facial piercings. 
• Some countries may offer language training, trips, or special events. Any optional activities will be at an additional cost. 
• We encourage you to be flexible and open to having a fantastic exchange year anywhere in the world. We find that our students gain a great love and devotion to their host country, as well as near-fluency in their host country’s language no matter where they go!
• Remember there are no bad exchanges. Each one is unique.
• Learn as much as you can about your country from the Inbounds at the Country Fair and do your own research.
• See the Appendix for information on the countries we exchange with
• Get to know all the country officers and Rotex you can, and each other.  Sometimes one region is really popular for whatever reason. In the end we have found that Country Assignments work out naturally.

Process:

At Orientation

• Research your countries of interest. We have included country information, customs, etiquette, food, etc. in this manual. You can also do your own searches using the internet. It is best to use credible sources.
• Talk with the Country officers to identify their criteria for a candidate to their countries
• Speak with Inbounds about their country
• Talk to Rebounds about their experiences 
• Try not to limit yourself based on your perceptions of a country. Be open.
• At the end of orientation, you will be asked to provide a list of your top 5 country choices.

After Orientation

• Once you have selected your top 5, be sure to seek out connections to current Outbounds, Rebounds, Rotex, and Country Officers.
• You may be asked by a country officer to detail your interest by completing research or answering questions they ask you regarding your country choices.

Eastern Oregon Trip 

• This is an all-day drive to Cove, Oregon, approximately 5-7 hours.
• Initially, you will be paired with an inbound student from the country you identified as your first choice.
• Buses are organized by Latin America, Europe and Asia. You might need to switch buses to meet with inbounds from all the countries you are interested in. 
• Use the bus time to ask questions about culture, school, social, family life, etc. 
• Also on the bus, speak with other inbounds about the other countries you are interested in. Don’t forget to speak with the country officers on this trip.
• Be sure to express yourself and your interest in the countries you really would not mind going to.
• At the ski location, you will be asked to select your top 5 countries in order of preference. Be sure you would be happy going to any of these countries. Do not try to play the system by putting countries you are not really interested in or that your parents have put on a restricted list. This behavior does not reflect well upon the student.
• The committee will meet to select the students based on their preferences. You will be assured of getting one of your top 5. 
• The student will find out the country they are going on Saturday evening after skiing and the committee selection meeting.

After Your Country is Assigned

• Write to the host club counselor
• Write to the first host family

 Provide:

• • Information about you, including your interests.
  • Include a photo of yourself, especially if you have changed your appearance at all from your application photo.
  • You should use this letter as an opportunity to ask about school, school clothing/uniforms, climate, activities, etc.
  • Every opportunity should be taken to exchange correspondence with the host family before departing, as this helps tremendously in the initial settling-in period in a new environment.