HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston Rotary Club hosted its annual Youth Exchange Special Event at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC) on the afternoon of January 29.
Rotary Clubs from Rotary District 5100, which stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Oregon, and includes 69 clubs in parts of Southern Washington and Northern Oregon, including Hermiston, were in attendance.
“We love coming to Hermiston, we appreciate how strong you’ve been with the Youth Exchange Program over the years,” said Danny Lonai, the Outbound Coordinator with the Milton-Freewater Rotary Club.
Rotary Youth Exchange Students from around the world, including Eunji Choi, who goes by Nova, a student from South Korea currently in Hermiston, as well as outgoing students waiting to find out where they will be going as exchange students, were in attendance at the meeting before continuing on a tour.
During the meeting to highlight the importance of the exchange program, Rotary Youth Exchange students introduced themselves and shared where they were from, including Colombia, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Chile, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Taiwan, Switzerland, South Korea, and more.
“The next few days are about bringing kids out to see what rural America is about and to decide what countries kids get to go to,” said Lonai.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Over 8,000 young people participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program across the country each year, learning a new language, experiencing other cultures and becoming global citizens, according to Rotary International.
“The Youth Exchange program is really all about promoting peace around the world,” said James Hurst, Youth Exchange Chair. “We know these kids have an impact wherever they go. We can’t bring about change everywhere all at once, but small changes make a difference, and I’m looking forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”
Students in the Rotary Youth Exchange program participate in both long-term or short-term exchanges.
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families. Short-term exchanges usually take place when school is not in session and are often structured as camps, tours or homestays that last up to three months.
Room and board and any necessary school fees for exchange students are covered in the program, however students are responsible for airfare and any additional travel or spending money.
Students between the ages of 15 and 19 are encouraged to apply for the youth exchange program through their local Rotary club.
Taylor Hancock spent time in Germany in the Rotary Youth Exchange as a student and is grateful for the opportunity.
“The Youth Exchange Program experience is really good, it pushes you out of your comfort zone and I’m grateful for that,” said Hancock, who will be returning to Germany on a mission through her church this spring. “It connects you with good people and allows you to make friends all over the world.”
Hermiston’s 2025-26 Rotary Youth Exchange
Nova is one of the students participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange and is attending Hermiston High School this year.
“I just wanted to experience contact with students from a different country, and so far, the year is going well,” Nova said of participating in the program. “It has grown my perspective and been good for my English skills.”
Nova, 17, is from Gunpo, a city of around 300,000 about 20 miles south of Seoul, that reminds her somewhat of Hermiston, with its mix of urban and rural areas.
“The people in Hermiston are kind and friendly, I’ve made friends with lots of students,” said Nova. “School life has been the best part. I spend most of my day at school, and there’s more freedom in American schools than Korean schools.”
ShelterBox
“This is my favorite meeting of the year,” said Eric Reise, Hermiston Rotary Club Member and ShelterBox ambassador. “To see all the youth and enthusiasm here, you’re about to go on a lifechanging convention.”
Reise reminded youth exchange program participants that the Rotary is about service above self, provided an overview of the ShelterBox program, and offered an opportunity for students to get involved in fundraising.
ShelterBox is a global organization started in 2000 that provides shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster.
Rotary Clubs around the world partner with ShelterBox to raise awareness about the organization, raise funds, and provide support during disasters.
“The District 5100 youth exchange group is noted for being one of the largest shelter box fundraisers, even raising over $150,000 one year,” Reise said.
Reise went on to ask students participating in the youth exchange program to raise money for ShelterBox through fundraisers, such as bottle drives, native cuisine dinners, car washes or other fundraisers.
Youth exchange students were encouraged to like ShelterBox on social media and earn pins through their fundraising efforts through May.
“We never know when disaster will happen, and we never have enough aid,” said Reise.
More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and how to get involved as a student, volunteer, or host family is available online.
More information about Rotary District 5100 and the Hermiston Rotary Club are also available online.
