District 7430 Youth Exchange - Our Program

The District 7430 Youth Student Exchange Program began in the fall of 1964 when two students from Argentina and one student from Switzerland were hosted by the Allentown, Easton, and Northampton Rotary Clubs. In January 1965, two other students from Australia, who were hosted by the Emmaus and Warminster clubs, joined these students. In the summer of 1965, 11 students from 7 countries arrived in the District. These students came from Bolivia, Denmark, Mexico, The Netherlands and Sweden. Selection interviews for the first American Students were held in the fall of 1965. In the summer of 1966, 20 American students sponsored by 13 clubs left for 8 countries around the world.

In 1968 District 7430 became a member of an organization of 30 Districts spanning 14 states in the eastern United States, Bermuda and Quebec and New Brunswick, Canada. Now called ESSEX, these Districts work together sharing their knowledge and experience to improve the exchange program.

Under the direction of Youth Exchange Program District Chairman Gayley Atkinson the program grew rapidly, and by 1970 approximately 30 inbound and outbound students participated each year. Under his direction Club Committees, an outbound student orientation program, an orientation weekend for inbound students at the Lake Paupac Club, the Annual Christmas Party, and the participation of exchange students at the District Conference was started. In 1966 the first trip to Colonial Williamsburg was organized, and since than a Spring weekend trip for all inbound and outbound exchange has been held each year. In 1971 Youth Exchange Program District Chairman Dick Franz originated the colorful Flag Ceremony and the presentation of the exchange students at the District Conference. This has continued at most Conferences.

In September 1974 Youth Exchange Program District Chairman John Coon held the weekend orientation for the inbound students at the excellent facilities of the YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser at Wernersville where they have been held each year since. In 1984, Youth Exchange Program District Chairman Frank Goodwin reorganized the District Committee by assigning a member of the Committee to be responsible for inbound students, and a second member to be responsible for the outbound students. In the spring of 1988 Youth Exchange Program District Chairman John Eastburn held the first ski weekend for all exchange students, which proved to be one of the most popular events of the exchange year. This activity has been continued each year since.

Since it’s beginning, the Rotary District 7430 Youth Exchange Program has blossomed, and provided a unique educational experience for many American and foreign students. In addition, many host families have opened their homes and hearts to our exchange students. Without their unselfish support and cooperation the Youth Exchange Program could not exist. In total, over 1,000 foreign students from 51 countries have been hosted by District 7430 Rotary Clubs and have had the opportunity to learn our language, our customs, and our American way of life. Nearly 900 American students have spent a year abroad learning the language and customs of 45 different countries. The impact of these young Ambassadors of Good Will, in promoting the Fourth Object of Rotary - the Advancement of International Understanding, Good Will and Peace, can scarcely be measured.

As we look to the future, we are confident that dedicated Rotarians all over the world will continue to provide these opportunities for our youth.