The joint training event for outbound exchange students from all Rotary districts is held annually in Lahti. This year, too, nearly 400 people gathered in Lahti at the end of April: Rotarians, Rotex, outbound exchange students, and their parents. An atmosphere buzzing with anticipation filled the corridors of Lahden yhteiskoulu, with the jingling of pins on Rotex blazers providing the soundtrack.
Leena Kinberg kept busy.
Rotary trains all outbound students, whether they are heading abroad for a long-term exchange or a summer exchange. Long-term and summer exchange students receive training in several stages before the Lahti event, while summer camp participants are trained separately.
Rotexes shared their wisdom. Photo: Frida Fors
At the event, outbound students were offered useful information about insurance, travel tickets, and other practical arrangements. Country correspondents and Rotex who had previously been on exchange in the country shared insights about the destination country’s characteristics and culture. A doctor was also present to answer any health-related questions.
A highlight for the long-term exchange students was the blazer fitting! The iconic dark navy blue blazers worn by Rotary exchange students are made by Turo, whose expert was at the event to help find the right size. The blazer serves as the exchange student’s diary: former exchange students shared the stories behind their most treasured pins.
From our own district, a delightfully large number of exchange students are once again heading out on long-term exchanges, summer exchanges, and summer camps. We wish them all the best on their journey!
Full house of students, parents and rotarians.
