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Exotic Locations
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Exciting Latin American Lifestyles
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Throbbing music
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“If I had to sum
up my 6 week Lions Youth Exchange to
Brazil
in one word it would be an adventure, but an adventure I will never forget. I
was immersed in the South American culture and way of life, and I loved every
minute of it.
A Life-Changing Experience, South American style!” Zoe
Something new – something different?
Why not try our newest destination Patagonia in
conjunction with one of our very special destinations –
Brazil.
In southern South America there is a Land where
immensity reigns, the contrasts amaze us and people's warmth is unsurpassed:
Patagonia...how to describe it?
It is
mountains.
The Patagonian-Fueguinos Andes extend
to the west like a huge wall acting as a borderline with
Chile.
With landscapes of lakes and pines, it has snow during winter and plenty of
flowers and scents during summer.
Towards the east, the
Atlantic
Ocean
and its beaches. A deep blue sea with warm waters coming from Brazil
at North Patagonia, and cold in the south (past St.
Matías
Gulf) populated by penguins,
whales
and dolphins.
It is also a vast
plateau
in its central part, with high "steps" descending from the
Andes towards the Ocean. Most of
Patagonia's surface belongs to this area.
Flat and distant horizons, which are sometimes interrupted by the blue
ribbons formed by the big rivers and their valleys.
An exotic new location off the beaten track, in the
States
of Sao
Paulo,
Rio Grande
do
Sul,
Minas Gerias
or other. Stay with English speaking families and experience first-hand the
exciting life in
Brazil.
Experience the early Portuguese influences on the Brazilian culture.
Brazil
is certainly different to all other countries in Central and
South America.
Your South American adventure begins when you travel to
your Australian International Departure city.
Perhaps you need to do some last minute duty free shopping
and collect any GST paid on ‘duty-free’ goods already purchased
before you board your international flight to your first port of call in
Patagonia.
You will usually have
two host families in each country for approximately 10 days each. While with the
first host family experience the excitement and magic of a different
Christmas. –
the extravagant, magical
Christmas decorations, the gift giving, the large family gathering and
activities and, of course, the feast. Enjoy the different cuisines of
Patagonia. There is a large variety of food
to enjoy. But the most typical plates are:
Mbeyú, a traditional food of the Guaraní Indians, a fried
dough patty of
mandioca with milk or water, salt and cheese.
The
chipa, or
Paraguayan cake, is made with starch, milk, cheese, lard, eggs and salt.
Paraguayan soup
doesn’t actually resemble
soup, it is a type of oven
baked bread, made of white corn flour, onions and cheese.
The
galeto
are large cuts of meet roasted on a sword over a flame, and is popular on the
Brazilian side of the border.
The
rapadura
is a desert made of sugar cane syrup.
And a good option for a
hot day is
tereré, which is iced mate.
With the second host family enjoy the New Year celebrations.
In between experience the excitement of Brazilian life – the bustling
streets, markets and shops, the rich and the poor. Lions Youth Exchange is a
CULTURAL exchange and you will not attend school on a regular basis.
The
exchange is for 6-7 weeks during the Australian School Holidays departing
early December and returning late January. Six weeks of exciting new
experiences in two new countries, living with a host family sharing their
everyday life and learning a new culture. You can expect to have two host
families for a period of three weeks each, or in some cases more host
families for a shorter time with each. All host families undergo rigorous
security checks and you can be assured you will be in safe hands. Many Host
families are also Lions Club members.
At the end of your exchange you board the plane for your
flight back home to be welcomed by mum and dad and the family.
You
will be exhausted but excited to be home following your trip of a lifetime.
Make sure you keep in touch with your host families, as this is part of the
excitement of Lions Youth Exchange.
The
Program Cost includes almost everything including - Pre-departure
accommodation in
Sydney
and associated seminars. International Air Fares, Airport Taxes, Visa if
required. Travel/Medical Insurance. All internal travel within the host
country, Administration charge,
Lions
Youth Exchange Backpack, name badge, and Lions Youth Exchange Trading Pins.
You need
to nominate through your local Lions Club to apply for the Lions Youth
Exchange Program. If you are unable to make contact with the local Lions Club
you will need to contact the Lions Youth Exchange Program Chairman to
establish a contact.
Applications for Youth Exchange must be made
through your local Lions Club and be received by the 30th June with a $500 non-refundable
deposit. An early application will ensure that your choice of country
will gain preference.
We
suggest $1,200 - $1500 for spending money and gift buying.
All Lions
Youth Exchangees are required to wear the Youth Exchange uniform which
includes a navy and green Lions Youth Exchange Polo Shirt and a Youth
Exchange Polar Fleece top, smart jeans or Navy slacks, Black shoes.
Departs
early December. Returns
Mid
January. Approximate cost $5,600
For further information, Contact
MD 201 Lions Youth Exchange Program
Chairman
Helen Topp
hlntpp0@gmail.com
