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Introduction

Fall marks the time of year when participating Rotary Clubs look for new outbound exchange students. Let's spread the word the word about Youth Exchange, and please, refer students with leadership ability to your local Rotary Club or have them email Aad!

Feel free to forward  this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested in the program and/or might be able to inspire others.

Check out our website for local clubs or info on exchange!

2014 Inbound Orientation

The 2014 inbound orientation was held September 12 - 14 near Turkey Point, ON. This is the first time the inbounds were all together in one place. The group was able to socialize and get to know one another, but most importantly, it was an opportunity for the students to talk about how they are settling in, and for the committee to help them troubleshoot any challenges they have had so far. It's a great group of young people and we are happy to have them with us for the year!

2014 District Conference

October 24 - 26 was the District 7090 Conference. Our inbounds did a stellar presentation at the conference. Many attendees were taken in with the enthusiasm our students displayed, and were impressed with the wonderful program District 7090 runs for youth exchange!

Belgium, je t’aime.

I can’t believe it’s already been more than a month since I arrived. To say I’ve been enjoying myself would be an understatement!

In September, I attended my first day of school here in Belgium. I took the city bus (no yellow school buses here), and realized in a panic I didn’t know where to get off! In broken French, I asked the boy standing next to me for directions. Turned out he was in my grade, and he helped me get safely to school!

Since then I’ve met tons of people, and they’ve all been extremely nice to the "foreigner". As far as the school system is concerned… let’s just say it’s very different! I start at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m., except for Wednesdays when we’re done at noon. If that wasn’t tiring enough, instead of 4 courses/semester like I had in Canada, I have 10! Everything is going fairly well except for math (should have taken advanced functions back in Canada to prepare).

It’s also a very strict school. As an 18-year-old student I was expecting some freedom, but here we still have to stand in line at the end of recess and have our parents sign our daily organizers every day. It was hard to get used to at first, but I’ve pretty much gotten the hang of the system. I also have a great support team of really helpful Belgian classmates. Because I already had a decent grasp of French when I arrived, it has been easy to talk to people and start making friends. One of my happiest moments so far was during my second week of school, when I got invited to hang out with my Belgians for the first time.

My Rotary District here is fantastic about organizing things for the exchange students to do. We have been to visit an old coal mine abandoned in the 80s and Fort of Eban-Emae. Additionally, 150 of us went kayaking down the beautiful Descente de la Lesse.

I’m a huge football fan, and since I arrived I’ve already had the chance to experience the Belgian football colour with my host family on a couple of occasions! 

I could not be happier with my host family. My host dad loves that he got an exchange student who enjoys football, so he’s already planning to take me to more games. We’re also planning some trips for vacations throughout the year. This month we’re going to London, November to Paris, and at Christmas we’ll go to Normandy and les plages de debarquement! 

I am having an amazing time, and a difficult time condensing all of the exciting things I've done into a shorter report! I can’t wait to see what awaits me next month!!

A bientôt, et merci toujours,

Darcy Feagen, Belgium