On Saturday, November 8, a Rotary Youth Exchange district interview and training event was held in Turku, where the atmosphere was expectant and enthusiastic. A total of more than 80 participants attended: 19 young people applying for a year-long exchange, 17 for a summer exchange, and 5 for a camp exchange, along with their parents.
The event included the first training session for the 2026 exchanges, OB1, which provides young people and their families with basic information about the Rotary exchange, its values, and practical arrangements. In addition, both students and their parents were interviewed during the day. The interviews ensure a successful exchange experience for every young person going on exchange.
In addition to the young people applying for exchange programs and their families, there were also about 20 volunteer Rotarians from different clubs acting as interviewers and trainers, as well as a group of Rotexes—former exchange students who helped with the arrangements and shared their own experiences of the exchange. Their stories and support brought valuable perspective and inspiration to the day’s program.
The interview day was an excellent demonstration of the community spirit and commitment to internationalism that characterizes Rotary youth exchange. For many young people, the day was the first step toward the adventure of a lifetime – an exchange experience abroad.
Youth exchange regards,
Eeva
