By Aaron Cordy
THE opportunity to immerse in another culture and live as the locals truly do is rare even for the well-travelled. Shepparton local Zoe van Maanenberg will live and breathe the daily life of the Czech Republic as she embarks on a year abroad with the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mooroopna (RCM), Zoe leaves for Ostrava, Czech Republic on Saturday, January 25, 2024, for her year in exchange. The life-changing opportunity for this remarkable young lady has been a dream for several years that came about when she reached out to RCM president Richard Speedy, who helped her set up her interview.
The formal interview can be daunting with four Rotarians, which focuses on personality, behaviour, family situation, the home and how the applicant lives. For the successful applicants, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It will be a big step for the teenager going to live with another family on the other side of the world, filled with experiences. But it is the small things that can still be the most worrying.
“Having to share a room, I’ve never had to do that,” said Zoe when asked what she was most dreading.
“Experiencing the cultural differences and culture shock I’m excited about. I’ve been to Cambodia, but somewhere new, Europe I’m excited,” she said.
“Zoe is about to go on an experience like no other. It will be both challenging and exhilarating. The benefits she will reap will last a lifetime,” said RCM secretary and youth coordinator Kelvin Rogash.
It’s the first time since RCM sponsored an exchange student in 10 years. They are thrilled to help Zoe experience this great opportunity and look forward to following her journey.
