Artikel 5

Ask a Youth Exchange officer

What tips can you give a new Youth Exchange officer on outbound student recruitment and orientation? 
 

Albertine Perre, governor of District 1570 (The Netherlands) and 2008-09 multidistrict orientation coordinator, replies:

After receiving the application forms, all applicants in the multidistrict are invited to attend a screening day. All students need to be proficient in the English language and in good physical health. Our exchange program is intensive, introducing students to many new ideas, different cuisines, and climate changes.
 
Students are asked to discuss their goals and expectations for the program with the Youth Exchange officers, who spend time covering specific elements of the exchange year. The interview focuses on the following criteria, which the student is graded on:
 
Motivation. Students need to be motivated and have a realistic perception of the Youth Exchange program. They also need to be aware of our expectations along with their own future goals and expectations.
 
Support. Students need to have their families' support before participating in the program to minimize the chances of becoming homesick. It is important to be realistic, however, so emphasis is placed on how to handle homesickness. It is also important to highlight school and host-club attendance to fill their surroundings with familiar faces.
 
Drugs and alcohol. Students need to understand the zero-tolerance rule regarding drugs and alcohol. Smoking is rarely accepted. When a student shows interest in experimenting with drugs or alcohol, that is an immediate strike toward their application.
 
Assertiveness. A student needs to be able to come up with creative solutions to problems and execute them. During the interview, several fictitious situations are described. In some scenarios, a student needs to know when to ask for help.
 
Extracurricular activities and social engagements. Applicants need to be aware of their surrounding social environment, show some interest in volunteering, and demonstrate proactive steps to further their ideology.
 
Social skills. Good communication, including social and presentation skills, is important. Adaptability is also a critical skill that is needed during an exchange year.
 
Culture and tradition. It is essential that a student has an interest in and respect for other cultures and traditions. It is critical that students understand that during the exchange, they will be asked to accept and obey rules set by their host family, even if they're much different from their home situation.
 
Knowledge. Students need to have a general knowledge of their own country's culture, geography, history, art, and political background. This will give them the confidence they need to be good ambassadors while they are abroad.
 
After the initial interview, selected students are asked to return for an additional meeting, organized by Youth Exchange officers and former exchange students, to receive extensive information on how to handle a case of abuse or harassment. Additionally, topics pertaining to culture shock, daily issues, and homesickness are covered. Traditionally, parents are always included in these information sessions.