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Personal Interest

Question of the Day!

by Geof Lambert
Tuesday, July 26, 2005. 07:02PM
757 Views 6 Comments

Do you agree with Rotary International President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar when he said this about Rotary Youth Exchange in Chicago?

Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar shared his passion for Rotary's youth programs, in particular Rotary Youth Exchange. "I have a dream that every single youth, at the age of 17, would become an exchange student," he said. "If we did so, we would have no wars."

If you do agree, how is Digaria going to help make it happen!?!?

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Comments

 6 shown
Tuesday, February 7, 2006. 04:09AM by Binod Khaitan
I suggest, that we DIGARIANs make a start. I do offer that my CLUB - RC Central Calcutta is willing to participate in a SHORT TERM YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM. Any takers ?????? I fully agree with Daniel that there is a cultural shock. However, this can be avoided with proper info & counselling before & after selection as perscribed by RI for GSE Teams.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005. 07:00PM by Sayantan Gupta
I heartily agree with the RIP's concept. Exchange students are Cultural Ambassadors. Exchange of culture and mutual respect that it entails goes a long way towards maintaining world peace and harmony. The future depends on youngsters. Friendly young people will shape the world of tomorrow and this is Rotary's dream, isn't it?.... Sayantan Gupta
Wednesday, July 27, 2005. 09:59AM by Geof Lambert
And just as important, students OUT of the Middle East as well.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005. 12:18AM by Florence Hui
I think so. How about sending 17 year old students to Middle East?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005. 08:50PM by Geof Lambert
Good thoughts Daniel! I was an exchange student at 17 and never wanted to come back!! But seriously though, I do think a typical 17 year old is a bit more resilient and open minded than a College Professors brought up in the "Frat and NCAA" life a US university system that often goes along with study at most major US universities. It is an interesting concept, and I do think it is fair to say that if more kids did do it, the incidence of violence and intollarence (spelling?) would go down dramatically. This is one of my recent quotes... "It is hard to be angry and hostile, when you are laughing and having fun." --geof lambert. July 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005. 07:28PM by Daniel Sturgeon
Exchange isn't for everyone, and not every exchange is good for everyone. There are examples of American Professors getting Fulbright Grants to Japan and leaving after one week - these professionals simply couldn't handle the culture shock. Should we expect anything different from 17 year olds? Well placed and thought out exchanges for many, and other methods to connect people (the internet) as a supplement are good ways to bring people and ideas together. Some people should have a year together, for others a conference would suffice. I do agree that mutual awareness and understanding are important.