Story about an exchange student, who is our first inbound since COVID. Laurens flew out of Australia for Germany this week.

Article by Laurens van Eeten, Rotary Youth Exchange student

“My name is Laurens van Eeten and I had the privilege of being a Rotary exchange student from Germany to Australia. I lived and attended school in Gawler, Adelaide, South Australia for a year.

Due to the family change every 3 months, I was able to see and experience so many different sides of Australia.

I made friends for life and had a different experience every day and so much fun.

It was here that I really got to know Rotary and I really like it.

I have also actively supported the Interact Club at my school over the past few months. Being the only exchange student in District 9510 for the first half of my year meant I didn't really have much contact with other exchange students but it made it easier to really focus on Australia, the culture and the people.

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Gawler Light, all my host parents and especially my parents in Germany, I was able to visit many places. All the big cities have something very special and so many great things to see everywhere.

One of my favourite Australian moments though was Alice Springs. This is how I imagined Australia and I love it. I am so grateful that Rotary and my parents made this life-changing experience possible for me.

The Rotary Youth Exchange is a great program for every kid.”

For more information on the Rotary Youth Exchange Australia program, please click HERE