District 105C

Youth Exchange Inwards and Outwards

I had a conversation with our Multiple District Officer for Youth and he said that he would like to improve the number of Clubs in Multiple District 105 who sponsor a young person to take part in the Youth Exchange Outwards Scheme.

Every year he receives many requests from countries around the world and he would like to be able to fill all these vacancies.

This year he only had eight clubs from Multiple District 105 who sponsored a young person, thus enabling them to visit a new country and in doing so sample their culture and customs.

Fellow Lions, perhaps this year you and your family would be able to share your Christmas or New Year with a Young Person from Australia? If your answer is Yes please contact me on 01482 897518. Last year 105C did not host anyone over the Christmas period, so let’s see what we can do this year.

Lion Janet Watherill
VDG 105C
Email: Lion Janet Weatherill

For many young people participating in the Lions Youth Exchange Programme is a life changing experience. Travelling to another country, living with a host family and experiencing another culture is a milestone event in their lives. Every year since 1961, young people have participated in the Lions International Youth Exchange Programme.

The goal of the programme is "to create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world". Unlike other exchange programmes the Lions International Youth Exchange Progrramme is not conducted for tourism, education, or employment.Instead it is a unique cultural learning opportunity. Participants of the Lions International Youth Exchange Programme must:

*be between the ages of 18 and 21

*be sponsored by a Lions Club

*have a basic knowledge of the language of the host country

*be suitable to represent their community Lions Club,and country

*be willing to accept the customs of another culture.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Potential Youth Exchangees must request local Lions Clubs Sponsorship. When multiple requests are received or in the absence of requests, Lions Clubs often conduct speech contests, essay writing or personal interviews to select Youth Exchanges.

DETAILS

Exchangees can occur in any of the more than 190 countries in which Lions Clubs exist. Most exchanges last between four to six weeks. Often exchangees also participate in the Lions International Youth Camp Programme.

Travel arrangements for exchangees are made between the Lions Youth Exchange Chairpersons in the Sponsoring and Hosting Regions.

The cost of transportation (including actual fares, insurance, airport fees, custom duties and layover or overnight fees) are the responsibility of the Sponsoring Lions Club.

These costs may be paid by the Club from District Funds (if available). by the Youth, his or her family or by some combination of these sources.

Food and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the Hosting Lions Club.

Exchangees are responsible for personal expenses such as phone calls home, souvenirs etc.

Exchangees with physical disabilities have successfully participated in the Lions International Youth Exchange Programme.

Lions Clubs International is truly an INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION and it is only right that we are involved in this Youth Exchange Programme. Should you or your Club decide to become involved with the Youth Exchange Programme I know you will find it a truly rewarding experience.

Lions Youth Exchange Co-Ordinator

Lions Opportunities For Youth District Officer is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it