Victoria Herdegen -- Australia (Home Club: Delmar)

November 30, 2015

 This past month of November has been so great!!

This month I participated in a two day "relay" Rotary bike ride. I say relay in quotes because it was more like ride when ever you felt like it and some members of the team rode the whole time. I personally went about 150k. This was a fundraiser for the local hospital and we sure raised a fair amount. After that weekend I switched host families. It's a weird transition from one house to the other. You have to learn a complete new set of rules. This second family has a daughter my age and we have heaps of crazy fun together. When I think of a typical Aussie family this is the kind family I think of: laid back, relaxed, yet exciting!

School is just finishing up. After nearly a year and a half I am officially in year 11 and it feels great!! Holidays are in 2 weeks and I am super excited because because my host family is taking me to New Zealand! Although the decorations are coming out and the songs are playing it does not look nor feel like Christmas. In fact it's quite a joke to listen to Christmas songs because there is no frosty the snowman, its not beginning to look like Christmas, and it is definitely Not a winters wonderland. But we can pretend :)

Last week was Thanksgiving but obviously they don't celebrate it in Australia. I wanted to make pumpkin pie and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for my host family and friends at school. Unfortunately they do not have puréed pumpkin in a can at the store. I have to cut up and actual pumpkin, boil it, then mash it up to get puréed pumpkin!! But it was all worth it. Aussies, though, cannot fathom the thought of putting pumpkin into a dessert. Its not something they do so while I was making my pie and cookies I got a lot of looks but once they tried it everyone wanted more. Your Welcome Australia!!

All the other exchange students and I ran the color run (yes without a U because its an American funded thing) in Melbourne. I can't wait to see them again at the end of the week at our Rotary camp!
I am having such an amazing time. I am learning everyday and growing so much. I am so thankful for this experience!
Regards,
Torri :P

Maeve McKeeby -- Belgium (Home Club: Schenectady)

November 19, 2015

It feels very surreal that a quarter of my exchange is already over! I have now been in Belgium for nearly 100 days! This past month has perhaps been one of the most exciting months I have had thus far. This past month I have visited more of Belgium and also was able to go to Paris and London! During the fall school break the Rotary districts here organized trips to London and Paris and I was fortunate to participate in both trips.  I was able to spend Halloween in Paris with many other Rotary exchange students! The trip was organized by BRESA (Belgium Rotary Exchange Student Association) and was for three days. We visited the Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs- Elysee, Monmarte, Sacre- Coeur, and Notre Dame. The trip was a lot of fun and it was really cool to travel with people from all over the world! Luckily, my trip to Paris was a week before the terrorist attacks so I was safe in Belgium. Two days after I returned from Paris I travelled to the northern city of Tournai to board a bus with other exchange students headed to London!

To get to London we went through France, and then boarded the ferry to England. One of the most memorable parts of my trip to London was not actually in London but was when we were on the bus in France when we drove by a Refugee camp. Seeing the hundreds of tents and the conditions people were living in was a true reality check and made me realize just how lucky I am. I will have three different homes this year in Belgium, and have a home in the USA, meanwhile some people are living in tents praying for food and survival. After we got off the ferry in Dover, England, it was very strange to be on the opposite side of the road. Before travelling to London we stopped in Canterbury and visited the small city and Cathedral. Canterbury was a beautiful little town, it had a very European feel to it with very cool architecture. We also visited the Canterbury cathedral which is where some of Harry Potter was filmed so that was very cool. Once we got to London we visited Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds wax museum, the British Museum, and saw Momma Mia! When we were at Windsor Castle, which is about 30 minutes outside of London the Queen was in Residence which was very cool to think I was in the same building as the Queen of England! I really loved London, it’s a beautiful city and it was nice to speak English again for a couple days!

Despite the break I had from French in London I am really happy with how much my French has improved since I’ve arrived. Every week I notice my French is a little better and it’s a very rewarding feeling. My host family is really great and I’m not ready to leave them in a month!

Since the terrorist attacks in Paris last week Belgium has been a bit on edge. I still feel safe here but I have noticed that there has been a lot more police and security in public places, especially on the trains. There has been lots of raids about twenty minutes from my house here as the Belgium police continues to search for suspects who may have been involved in the Paris attacks. Despite the raids being very close to my house I live in a safe place and my host family has assured me that I am safe. This has been a very active and busy month for me and I look forward to spending the holidays in Belgium!

Julia Lapper -- France (Home Club: Glens Falls)

November 14, 2015

    In light of yesterday’s events, I figured I should send an update. At the time of the attacks, I was safely at home, 15 miles outside of central Paris in the suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne. In an attempt to shed some perspective on the situation here, I thought I might start by sharing some of my recent posts from Facebook.

    Today while reading a book about an American woman who lived in Paris in the 1920s, I got to a chapter about her visit to the breathtaking Château de Chenonceau, which I visited a few weeks ago. It's still unbelievable that I'm actually doing all of this incredible stuff and going to all of these amazing places. I wake up everyday thinking it's just a dream. I am so thankful for all of the once in a lifetime experiences I've had so far and excited to take on whatever comes next. That's what this year is all about. 

                   --November 13, 2015  

    Ce matin quand je me réveille il y avait 120 morts et maintenant les numéros des corps continuent monter. Je suis encore sous le choc. Mes pensées sont avec les familles des victimes et tous ceux touchés par cette tragédie. Restez fort. Nous sommes tous Parisien.

This morning when I woke up 120 were dead and now the numbers continue to rise. I am still in shock. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected by this tragedy. Stay strong. We are all Parisian.

--November 14, 2015    

    The first post is from yesterday afternoon, before the attacks. When I said I was waiting to see what would come next, this was the last thing I was expecting. Today, the entire country of France is reeling as we continue to learn new details about last night’s events. All schools and government buildings have been closed temporarily. When I went out today, Lagny had turned into a ghost town. I walked the dog for an hour without passing a single person on the street.

    Having been raised in the post 9/11 world, I am not unfamiliar with stories of the despicable terror some people are capable of inflicting. However, this is the closest I have ever been when a tragedy of this scale occurred. Now, in the aftermath of November 13, 2015 – a day that will be remembered in infamy – I know the true meaning of international community. In some ways being so close to this horrific event has really solidified the importance of exchange for me. No matter what country we come from, we are one world. We must stand together, and right now we must support the people of France. Nous sommes tous Parisien. Nous sommes tous français.

Julia Lapper

Ben Weinstein -- Taiwan (Home Club: Delmar)

November 11, 2015

A recent post on Ben's blog:

http://weijiemingthewaiguoren.weebly.com/blog/an-introduction-to-the-taiwanese-school-system

Julia Lapper -- France (Home Club: Glens Falls)

November 12, 2015

When I got an email last week asking if I had sent in my second monthly report yet, it suddenly hit me how quickly this year is going by already. It’s now been more than 2 months since I stepped off the plane in Paris, and even though I have adjusted to life abroad, I still encounter new and foreign things everyday.

    October was very eventful. At the beginning of the month every exchange student from my district got together for the first time since our orientation. Together we all hopped on a tour bus and headed 4 hours west to Normandy. Our first stop was in beautiful Honfleur, a typical Normandy fishing town, followed by Arromanche a small town nestled right on the famous beaches of Normandy where troops landed during World War II. I have never felt closer to history than when I saw first hand the remains of barges left on the beach, walked along the cliffs and visited the war memorial. It was a truly moving experience. After Arromanche we headed to Bayeux where we stayed for the night before driving the rest of the way to our destination, Mont-Saint-Michel, in the morning.

    When we arrived at the Mont, where the Rotary multi-district conference was being held, we joined a group of nearly 300 exchange students for a 3 hour trek through the quick sands at the base of the Mont at low tide. Looking around I could hardly believe that it was real life. I never imagined that I would be in such a magnificent place and meet so many amazing people from all over the world. We spent two days singing, dancing, laughing and exploring the Mont before getting back on the bus and returning to Île-de-France.

    After falling back into my school routine for one more week, first term ended and I prepared for the Paris-Barcelona bus trip. Monday morning, October 19th, I headed into Paris with my friend Amanda, and we boarded another tour bus with 38 students from other districts excited for what the next 8 days would have in store for us. The trip started with two days of sightseeing in Paris, two days of driving with stops in Chenonceaux and Carcassonne before crossing the border into Spain, where we spent two days in Barcelona and one in Figueres before returning to Paris. The highlights of the trip included visits to Montmartre, the beautiful Châteaus of Versaille and Chenonceaux, Sagrada Família, Museo Picasso, and Dalí Theatre-Museum. In the end the bus trip was a great experience, but going back home to Lagny was bitter sweet. It’s truly amazing how much common ground you can find with people from all over the world, and the time spent together is made even more valuable not knowing when or if you will ever see them again.

    When I got home I spent the second week of my vacation nursing a massive cold, which was inevitable after spending 8 days in a bus with 38 teenagers, before returning to school to start second term. All in all it was a great month full of unforgettable experiences.

Adam Boese -- Brazil (Home Club: Schenectady)

October 9, 2015

Despite not celebrating Halloween in Brazil, I had been counting the days until Halloween if only to feel my connection to the US. However, I was still surprised when I woke up on October 31^st because it meant that another month had ended without my notice. I often feel as if time is slipping at an unusually quick pace and I think this has to do with the fact that I am always at least acutely aware that each day signifies that I am a little bit closer to the end of my time here. It is as terrifying as being constantly being aware that you are getting closer to your inevitable death. Sure you might take more risks but most people prefer to pretend they’re going to live forever.

                I have done a lot with the finite amount of time I have. I meet an absurd amount of people every week as people are very interested in meeting a gringo. As being a novelty begins to feel lonely at times, I am glad to be finding people that I have formed friendships with as well. I also continue to do jujitsu and go to school every week day both of which I enjoy almost as much as my weekends (sometimes more). Over the weekends my host family and I usually do something such as watch the newest episode of the walking dead (today we are going to a circus). This is my last month with the Bonelli’s and I will be very sad to leave them.

                As Saquarema is a beach town I also spend a lot of time on the beach although I have yet to find a good time to learn how to surf because my instructor wants to wait until there are better waves for a beginner. That’s pretty much all of I have been doing but I am also happy to report that pretty much all of my homesickness faded earlier in the month.

Torri Herdegen -- Australia (Home Club: Delmar)

October 30, 2015

G'day,
It has been a fabulous month filled with great activities. I feel like everyday I push myself outside my comfort zone just a little more.
I was asked to be a year 10 leader at a year 7 school camp. I was supposed to be helping learning kids do something I was clueless about myself. It all worked out, though, and we all learned together. I made 15 new friends and we all had a jolly good time!
I gave a total of three speeches this passed month at school. One was to be sports captain and the other two were for my classes. Let's not forget my Drama Class where I had to not only write a script but also preform it by myself infront of the class. If that's not away of knocking down the barrier of your comfort zone then I don't know what is.
The Rotary has been training me up for an upcoming bike ride in February. My host dad took me out on a 20k ride this past week. After I caught my breath, could feel my legs again and my bum was no longer numb I'd say it was a great ride. Although,  note to self, do not tell a military bloke that your ok with going a little further or a little faster because he'll take you too the moon and back before you have time to realise what just happened. You will definitely feel it, though.
I do have to admit its crazy to say that I am already a fourth through my exchange. I am soon moving on to my second host family and I am not quite ready. I have 15 days to prepare myself for the sad and exciting day.
Regards,
Torri Herdegen

Shay Beneditto -- Brazil (Home Club -- Glens Falls)

October 30, 2015

With all the things I have already experienced, it sure feels like a lot more than just ten weeks here in Brazil. To start out, I have an amazing host family and the parents have been extremely welcoming to me, so I truly do feel like I'm part of a family here. School has also been quite enjoyable because everyone there has been so kind and interested in getting to know me. Living in a city has been different for me but I love that there's always something going on and it's not a far drive from other cool cities that I have been able to visit. My family has an apartment in the city where I spend most of my time but they actually live in a small town on the weekends so I've been able to see how people live in the small towns and the big cities. When I think of the big events or trips I already experienced so far, the things that come to mind are the exchange student orientation weekend on a beautiful beach, the soccer game I went to with my host family, spending a long weekend in Joao Pessoa (on the beach) with some of my best friends, playing handball for my school in an Olympic-style tournament, and attending some amazing shows with friends and family! 

I think the reason my exchange has been going so well for me is that I have lived by the advice I received to never say no when you are invited to do something, go somewhere, or join a group. During my first week of school I quickly looked to get involved in sports but I was also told that every year all the exchange students at my school join the dance group. At first I had no intention of joining since I have never ever been a dancer and I was always the sports guy that wasn't involved with music and dance activities. I then remembered my rule and agreed to join and I have absolutely no regrets! In fact, some of my best friends here I met in the dance group so it has worked out well for me. Now here I am, Shay, the sports guy, preparing for a dance performance next Thursday as well as my role in a school play the week after that.

Many people warned me about how difficult exchange can be but the last time I remember being truly stressed out or upset was during my crazy 24 hours of travel from the US that included two delayed flights, two flight changes and my luggage that was sent to the wrong city. When it comes to missing family and home, I don't really have time to think about it especially on the days I have school then handball practice then dance rehearsal. Very excited for what's to come!

Sutthikan (Prom) Sakulrungsap -- from Thailand (Host Club: Corinth)

October 10, 2015

Host Rotary Club: Corinth Rotary Club
Sponsor Rotary Club: Rotary Club of Suphanburi
Current Host Family: Eric Jensen/ Lynette Jensen
Counselor Name: Alysse Kasowski

Health and Home

              Now, I’m doing fine. I’m healthy but sometime i have cold because it’s windy outside. I’m very comfort with my host family right now. They care about me. Yesterday’s we go to watch the football game and i found my school friend there. we are talking a lot about the game and the other stuff.

School

             And about the school, i attend class properly. i’m have a lot of friends. Everyday when i walk to school everyone is talking to me a lot say hi to me and when we have freetime we talk about the class and how was it. Now, i sign up for the school basketball team. and 2 week ago, i going to homecoming dance at school with my friends. It’s was fun. Everyone in school like me they ask me a lot about my country and my languages. when i go to class the teacher and my friend say how to pronoun my first name they say wow!. Me and my friend like to play sport in P.E.. We play a flag football and the freezbie football for this month unit it was very fun and my friend tell me that i’m run very fast. 

Rotary

         I usually attend my rotary meeting and last month i go to the fishing contest that organize by my host club. i meet my counselor at rotary meeting 2 days ago. I receive allowance $75 for each month. My rotary club is very small. they meeting in cafe. And when i have a question or something to ask or consult i will email to my counselor to ask them.

Activities

      i think the most experience is the horse track and the fishing contest. It first time of me when go to fishing in my life and it very excited. I got 1 sunfish. I’m not won but i got a the most improvement reward for free breakfast at cafe. So, first when i go to the horse track it very excited to see the horse races. and it was fun. the horse track is in the Saratoga. This is the most experience of this month.
Thank you,

Sutthikan Sakulrungsap

Emma Graves -- Belgium (Home Club: Wilton)

Emma's blog is here.  She is a Rotary Exchange Student in Belgium, and describes her first two months.

Ben Weinstein -- Taiwan (Home Club: Delmar)

October 26, 2015

Ben is maintaining his own blog, which can be found here .


He has incredible descriptions and pictures of his first couple of months.

Maeve McKeeby -- Belgium (Home Club: Schenectady)

October 23, 2015

I have now been in Belgium for a little over two months and I have fallen even more in love with Belgium this past month. My French has improved so much, I am now able to understand most conversations and can speak basic sentences and conversations. School is becoming easier and my teachers are really great and always make sure I understand the lesson and are more than willing to help if I need it.

In the past month I have been able to explore more of Belgium and also the Netherlands. I went kayaking in the south of Belgium with all of the other Rotary Exchange Students that are in Belgium which was really fun. In this small country there are over 400 exchange students. Even though kayaking was cold I still had a lot of fun hanging out with all the other exchange students and sharing the different experiences we’ve all had this past month or so. In Belgium I have visited Coo, Namur, Mons, Tournai, and Brussels this past month. Brussels continues to be my favorite city in Belgium, there’s so much to do and see but Namur has become my second favorite city even though I have only been there once. Namur is a beautiful city with really cool architecture and lots of castles. The city looks very European I think and has a nice river that runs through it. I was also able to visit Amsterdam, Amersfoort, and Nijkerk in the Netherlands. All of these cities were absolutely beautiful but I really loved Amsterdam. The city was beautiful and I really loved all the canals throughout the city. Next weekend I will be travelling to London, and Paris which I am really looking forward to. It has been another great month in Belgium and I am looking forward to more great adventures! A bientot!

Hugo Bouillion -- Glens Falls (Home Club: France)

October 4, 2015

 

 I have been in the USA for one month and i'm very glad to be here! I don't have problems with my health, my host family is awesome, I don't have a problem speaking with her; they are very nice to me. I'm going to class every day, the students are very curious about me. I have made friends! I'm on the football team, it's a very good thing to meet people. Each month I have 2 meetings with my Rotary club. In September, I attended a meeting with my host family. I have never met my rotary counselor but it's not very important because I don't have problems. In spring I will try to have a scholarship to go to the college in the USA. Every month I receive an allowance. I have a very great relationship with my club everyone is nice to me !

Thank you so much for allowing me to live this experience !

Adam Boese -- Brazil (Home Club: Schenectady)

October 8, 2015

This may not come as a surprise to you, but living in another country has been, by far, the greatest change of my life. For example, milk now comes from a box as opposed to a jug. This may not seem earth shattering but these small changes emphasise the slightly larger changes that have rocked my world. Such as not speaking the language of everyone around me or even that this is the first time I have spent away from the community I have grown up in. But describing these changes does not do them justice. To fully understand what it is to be an exchange student you have to understand that every single thing that I valued or cared about suddenly has no impact on my life. My grades, my relationships, my success and failures, are all, for the first time, truly in the past. That is not to say that I do not care about these things or that they have not helped shape me into the person I am now. For example, I worried about my grades for months. Now it’s as if none of that ever happened. Other than just straight up missing my friends and family, this is the leading cause for homesickness. I start to look for these things to dedicate myself to, as I have more or less done for a decade, only to find that they no longer exist. Where art thou milk jugs?

Despite these drastic changes I am having an amazing time. I cannot explain everything about my life because most of the time I do very normal, living in a house stuff that makes for very mundane writing. However, I will, more or less, explain what I have been doing here. On the first day in Brazil, I fell in love with my host family. They have taken me to some amazing places such as Rio de Janeiro, a beautiful city on a mountain called Teresopolis, and the beautiful beaches of our own city, Saquarema. Unfortunately, these amazing trips do not make up my daily routine. The only two things that really remain consistent for my Monday through Friday routine is school and jujitsu. Although I enjoy school, it is difficult not understanding language because I am restricted to talking with the handful of students in my class that speak english. I do try to speak as much portuguese as I can muster to the other students but I am very limited in what I can say. Jujitsu is a martial arts that reminds me a lot of a more refined version of the wrestling I used to do with my older brothers. Although I lose almost every single match I absolutely love it.

There is so much more to say that I cannot really put into words. I am really grateful to be here. I will continue to send updates on what I am doing.