The Lions International Youth Exchange Program was
established in 1961 to give youth an opportunity to travel to exciting
international destinations for up to six weeks. Whilst overseas, the youth live
with one or more families associated with Lions International to experience
first-hand a new culture, lifestyle and customs. Unlike some exchange programs,
the Lions Youth Exchange Program does not involve tourism, academic studies or
employment.
The aim of the program is “to create and foster a
spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world”.
In Australia, Lions Youth Exchange includes -
outgoing Australian youth travelling overseas
in December - January to live with families associated with Lions
International in various countries. Lions chaperones are provided at
stopovers stopovers in London and Los Angeles, and on the return flights to
Australia.
incoming International youth (from Europe,
North & South America, Scandinavia, UK, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan)
arriving in Australia in July-August and December-January. As well as living
with one or more Australian families, many visiting exchangees attend an
Australian Youth Camp which provides an opportunity to meet young people
from other countries in a fun, camp environment.
To be eligible to participate in this program,
outgoing Australian youth must:
be able to fund the cost of their Youth Exchange travel ranging from $A1,500 -
$A6,000 depending on destination.
be interviewed by a Lions, Lioness or Leo Club located near
the youth's home town to determine their suitability for the program
be ready to represent their community, country and their
sponsoring Lions club as a youth ambassador and give verbal presentations on
Australia,
it's culture and their sponsoring Lions Club in Australia
be willing to explore and accept the customs of the host
culture and host families
have a basic knowledge of the language of the host
country, if necessary
accept that the Lions Youth Exchange Program is a culture
exchange and not another form of tourism
