Click the quotes below to read more about our outbound students experiences while in their host countries

“I am so thankful for being given this opportunity, because it has been amazing so far and I know it will only get better. Thankyou to everyone in Australia and also in Denmark who have made this year possible.”

~ “Kate” on Exchange in Denmark

“Another thing i have noticed while I’ve been here is the way language is so important and yet not at the same time. While it is not so necessary for basic communication, where English and sign language will do (I will be an awesome charades player by the time I return) I think it will be very important in being close with Finnish people.”

~ “Mat” on Exchange in Finland

“I’ve discovered strength within me that I didnt know existed, having to deal with being away from everything that’s familiar did that to me. I’ve learnt how hard leaving your parents for a year can be, but also how capable I am of taking care of myself in many aspects of life.”

~ “Georgia” on Exchange in Germany

“There have been plenty of other great days but also some average ones struggling with the complicated French language and the school timetable system. But that is to be expected on an exchange, every day is a surprise and I’m looking forward to everyone.”

~ “Patrick” on Exchange in France

“As I always say “Listen to your heart and follow your dreams” … its the key to success!”

~ “Emma” on Exchange in Belgium

Below are reflections from rebound students after the completion of their exchanges:

“Exchange has been a highlight of my life. I miss my exchange year, my exchange friends, and would give anything to be able to do it again. I encourage any student who has the means to go on an exchange. It will add more to your life, person, and character, than you could imagine.”

~ Ryan, Germany

“Rotary provides amazing support and connections for exchange students, both while on exchange and after you return. I had the most amazing support both from District 9455 Western Australia, and District 1430 in Finland, and my exchange with rotary has allowed me to connect with so many like-minded people.”

~ Alicia, Finland

“Even though everyone told me before I went on exchange that it would be the best year of my life, it wasn’t until I experienced it myself that I realised what that meant. Exchange is an incredible experience that challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and find out how much fun that can be. It is an experience that you must have yourself in order to understand why it is so great. I don’t think it matters which country you end up going to because the best thing about exchange is definitely the people you meet. I will forever be grateful to all the strangers I spoke to on the bus, students at school who helped me when I was lost, shop assistants who spoke English, my host families for being welcoming and loving, and all the amazing supportive friends that I spent my exchange with.” 

~ Shu Wei, Finland

“I have a strong belief that travel is one of the most important things in life and that everyone should get out and see as much of the world as possible. Not only just to see and experience new places and new cultures but to also understand how differently people all over the world live. By doing exchange, you get to experience all of this in a safe environment and in the same way a local does and at such a young age. I believe exchange is one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

~ Lauren, Brazil

“I went in not knowing that Taiwan existed, I wanted to go to Japan, but I am so, so lucky that I was sent to Taiwan instead. I met the best people, from Taiwan and around the world, and experience a vibrant culture I never knew existed.”

~ Brittany, Taiwan