June 4th – Inbound Exchange Students – Year in Review
Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students, Soraya Oberteufer from Switzerland and Matheus Borges from Brazil, will share pictures and information about their countries of origin as well as highlights of their exchange year in Salem.
They have both been regularly attending our Rotary Club meetings. Now we will have a chance to hear from them more directly about their experiences.
We also will be honoring their host families who have made this exchange year special for both students. We greatly appreciate our hosts as they keep our youth exchange program going!
Program Chair – Linda Bednarz
Meeting Location: Cedar Hall, Main Salem Alliance Building
Celebrating Rotary Youth Exchange: A Legacy of Peace and Understanding
This week, we will hear from Soraya and Matheus, our current inbound Youth Exchange Students. Their presence with us is a living testament to Rotary’s commitment to promoting peace through mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and service.
As we welcome their stories, it’s worth reflecting on the powerful history of the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Program — one of Rotary International’s most impactful and visible youth service initiatives.
A Global Program Rooted in Friendship and Growth
The origins of Rotary Youth Exchange trace back nearly a century:
- 1927 – The very first documented student exchange occurred when the Rotary Club of Nice, France hosted a student from Denmark.
- 1972 – Rotary International officially recognized Youth Exchange as a structured program, establishing both long-term (year-long) and short-term exchange opportunities.
- 1980s and Beyond – The program rapidly expanded worldwide, engaging young people across North and Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
The flagship long-term exchange offers high school students (typically aged 15 to 19) a chance to live abroad for a full academic year, attend school, and live with multiple host families. This immersive experience fosters lifelong connections, deep cultural appreciation, and personal growth.
Today, the program reaches over 80 countries, with thousands of students participating each year, forging bonds that transcend borders and politics.
The Rotary Club of Salem’s Enduring Commitment
The Rotary Club of Salem was an early adopter of the Youth Exchange movement when it was officially adopted by Rotary International. Since then, our club has been deeply committed — sponsoring an outbound student and hosting an inbound student in most years.
Through this legacy, we’ve helped shape global citizens and fostered cross-cultural understanding — one student, one family, and one story at a time.
As we listen to Soraya and Matheus this week, let us be reminded of the incredible impact of this program — and the role we each play in building a more peaceful, connected world.
Rotary Club of Salem
2024-2025
