Christian Menchhofer, a 2006 graduate of Covington Latin School, spent the past school year in Shrewsbury, England, sponsored by the Florence Rotary Youth Exchange.

On Oct. 1, Christian reported back to Rotary members with highlights of his year abroad, and thanked Rotary for enabling him to make the most of the opportunity.

Christian, a rower for the Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club, chose Shrewsbury School in part because of its long and storied rowing tradition. While at the school, Christian was able to join the Shrewsbury School Top Sculling Squad. Christian regaled the Rotarians with a delightful account of the various races and competitions, including the winning of the coveted Henley cup.

Christian reported that his academic endeavors included studying classical civilizations, chemistry, math and English literature.

In addition to the school and sports activities, the exchange enabled Christian to serve as a goodwill ambassador, making many new friends from around the world. He returned home with a much greater appreciation for other cultures, their traditions and the value of international cooperation.

Rotary Youth Exchange students spend a year, or perhaps just an extended period of time, living with a host family in a country other than their own. They may learn not only a new language, but also a whole new way of living and a great deal about themselves. The primary goal of the program is to foster world understanding by way of intercultural exchange.

Rotary Youth Exchange students are ambassadors, helping to bring the world closer together, and making good friends in the process.

Each year, local Rotary districts and clubs worldwide arrange thousands of international Youth Exchanges for high school-aged students. Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the generosity of Rotary's Youth Exchange program.

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