• Koralan Crofskey.

Koralan: Living in Denmark

ROTARY IN THE COMMUNITY: International Youth Exchange

Rotary International Youth Exchange started in 1929 to promote international understanding, build goodwill and give students an authentic cultural experience by placing them in host families in their host country. The students attend school and live as a family member, and are supported by a wide Rotary network in both their host country and sponsor country. In 2017, District 9910 has sent 12 young, bright, ambitious students to Europe and South America. In return, we host students. If you’d like to know more please visit www.rotaryyouthexchange.co.nz. This report is from Koralan Crofskey, who is currently living in Denmark on a Rotary International Youth Exchange.

There's no place like home, but what if you have two homes on complete opposite sides of the world? This is what I feel being an exchange student is like.

My home away from home is Denmark and I’m currently just reaching seven months being here since I left New Zealand. Since being here, I have experienced so many different things, some that I didn't think I would experience and others that I didn't see purpose in until I tried them. To be an exchange student is to be open and try new things and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. An exchange is not a long holiday; it’s a whole different ball park, filled with its ups and down and loops and turns, but all of these turns help to shape who you are, who you want to be and what you want to make out of this, because this is your chance to have a once in a lifetime opportunity and make it great.

I have been to so many places, not just in Denmark, but also around Europe. Rotary Youth International, my organisation, gives us the opportunity to travel Europe with other exchange students for 18 days to visit popular and culture rich places all over Europe. Places such as Berlin, Prague, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam etc.

The memories are forever and I will never forget them. Coming here and leaving home wasn't easy but it's also something that I wouldn't take back for the world because as I’ve been away, I’ve come to realise things that I didn't appreciate as much as I should have while still at home, but you can bet that I will when I return.


Issue 80 September 2017