LIONS CLUBS
YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Youth Camps and Exchange (YCE) has programs all around the world and is designed for young people between the ages of 15 and 22 to create and foster a spirit of understanding among peoples of the world.
By providing an avenue for global fellowship, the YCE program aims to help youth initiate, grow and maintain international relationships promoting cultural education and international peace You remember hosting an exchange youth in the past or at least you’ve heard someone else talk about it. If not ask around or see for yourself.
Become a Host Family
Are you interested in learning about other cultures and ways of life while sharing your own customs and experiences? Are open-mindedness, tolerance and cultural competence of high importance to you? Do you have a desire to contribute towards peace, international understanding and the creation of global citizenship in youth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may enjoy being a host family for the Lions Youth Camps and Exchange (YCE) Program!
Benefits of Hosting
Hosting an exchange youth is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience because:
• You experience the joy of sharing your culture and daily customs
• You learn about the exchange youth’s customs and culture
• You open a new world of possibilities and thinking to the exchange youth
• You make a new friend - maybe a friend for life
The YCE program is comprised of two major parts: international exchanges and international camps. Exchanges typically last for 4-6 weeks with the help of host families (Lions or non-Lions), sponsor clubs and host clubs. Camps last for 1-2 weeks and are operated voluntarily by the hosting Lions club. Sound interesting? Contact your District Youth Exchange Chair or MD11 Youth Exchange Chair PDG John Daoud Tel: 248-828-5648, or Lion Elvie Marfil epmarfil5gmail.com 818-800-1060
Is the YCE Program Right for Me?
Are you ready to embark on a life changing adventure that will open your mind and heart? Are you curious about other cultures and ways of life? Do you want to develop your skills in a second language? Would you like to cultivate new friendships with individuals that have different backgrounds, beliefs, and customs than you? The Youth Camps and Exchange (YCE) Program may be the opportunity you are seeking.
Benefits of Participation
As a YCE exchange youth, you will:
Live with a family in another country
Meet people your age from around the world
Learn about what it means to be a Lion or Leo in another country
Deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you
Learn how to foster peace and understanding among peoples of the world
What to Expect
As a YCE exchange youth you can expect to be immersed in a unique cultural experience with Lions and Leo club members supporting your YCE journey. Your host family will treat you as a member of the family, expecting your engagement in typical daily routines and family meals. You will participate in social activities, possibly service projects and visit cultural places of interest. You are expected to familiarize yourself with the customs, expectations and basic language of the host country prior to your visit and have a desire to learn more.
You can learn more about the roles and expectations of a YCE Exchange Youth by checking out the YCE Exchange Youth Handbook!
Participant Eligibility
The suggested age range for YCE Exchange Youth is 15-22. Please note age range can vary by specific YCE program.
YCE Exchange Youth must:
Be sponsored by a Lions club
Be ready to represent your community, country and the sponsoring Lions club
Welcome the opportunity to explore the customs of another culture
Provide proof of insurance (health, medical, travel) and a liability release agreement
Take initiative to learn the language of the host country (i.e. basic greetings and phrases)
What are the Costs?
Local program costs vary from country to country. Financial arrangements for transportation may be paid by the Sponsor Lions Club, by the Exchange Youth, the Exchange Youth’s family or a combination of these sources. Host Lions clubs cover the costs of room and board with a host family. Exchange Youth are typically responsible for:
Round-trip airfare
Camp Fees
Health, medical and travel insurance
Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
Spending money
How to Apply?
Go to LionsCIubs.org-Resource Center to find out more and to see where current camp and exchange programs are offered. Note the camp application deadlines and YCE Chairperson contact information for each location of interest.
Develop a wish list of a few host countries to inquire about.
Contact your local Lions club to see if they participate in the program and may be willing to be your sponsoring Lions club. A sponsoring Lions club is required to participate in the YCE Program.
Contact the corresponding YCE Chairpersons in your wish list countries for additional eligibility and application requirements.
Write a personal letter of introduction to your prospective host family that contains information on the following: interests, studies, hobbies, family, home community, previous travel experience, expectations for the program and any dietary, health or religious requirements.
Complete the required YCE Youth Participant Application well in advance of any disclosed deadlines (including the endorsement and signature of your sponsoring Lions club). Submit it with your personal letter of introduction to the YCE Chairperson for the location you are interested in.
