The Rotary Australia New Zealand Student Exchange program gives students aged 13-and-a-half to 16 years the chance to experience a different country where they can explore and engage with local culture. 

Selected students will be matched with a student in New Zealand. They will travel there to live with the New Zealand student and their family for three months.

When they return to Australia the New Zealand student will come with them and stay with them and their family for three months. 

The exchange will begin in April 2018.

Committee member Gillian Weatherall said the program gave students the opportunity for personal growth and the chance to create friendships in another country. 

“Students often come away from the exchange with a greater appreciation of the different cultures that exist in the world,” she said.

“Their participation contributes to the ongoing relationship between our two countries.

“Young people from the Coalfields region experience an amazing lifestyle and this exchange will offer them the opportunity to broaden their horizons by meeting new people and exploring different cultures,.

Rotary Clubs from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri or Maitland will be allocated as a sponsor. They will provide funding for student accessories including uniform items such as a shirt, jumper and jacket as well as a backpack.  

Applications close at the end of August. Phone Gillian on 0408 016 303 or email RANZSE@rotary9670.org.au.