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Rotary Club of Norfolk - Tiel Exchange

Since 1972, our club has enjoyed a summer cultural exchange program with the Tiel Rotary Club in the Netherlands. During that time, more than 160 high school students have been part of a cultural exchange sponsored by our two clubs. Each youth who has traveled has experienced a broadened mind and exciting experiences of living for several weeks in another culture. In simple terms, this ongoing Rotary exchange is fun and educational.

Each summer up to four teens sponsored by either our club or the Tiel club are hosted by Rotary families. Teens from the Netherlands come to Norfolk  in odd number years. Teens from Norfolk travel to the Netherlands in even number years. During our hosting summers, our club members take visiting students on fun and educational outings to museums, the beach and Washington, D.C. Students also spend part of a day with a Rotarian working in an area that interests them.

 

Details on the Exchange

  • The exchange trip to Tiel is open to current high school students age 16-19. The next group will visit the Netherlands in 2020.
  •  Each teen must apply for the program and be interviewed by the Tiel Exchange Committee. We seek articulate and outgoing teens who can represent well Rotary and our country.
  • There is a preference for children of Rotary Club of Norfolk members followed by grandchildren of members. Should space be available, teens sponsored by club members will be considered.
  • The group flies to and from Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.
  • The Tiel Club provides host families in the Netherlands. In the past, the program has included touring sections of Europe as well as sailing, swimming, diving, touring museums and historical locations. All expenses in Europe are covered, other than personal shopping. Each teen is responsible for her or his airfare to Amsterdam.
  • Each teen selected will need a valid passport.
  • Each teen is expected to prepare and present a short program to the Tiel Rotary Club on her or his life and life in our community and a presentation to our club afterwards of his/her experience.
  • Each teen will have to attend an evening workshop on the culture of the Netherlands, preparing them for the trip.