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Youth Exchange Programme

Welcome to our youth exchange student, Oscar Arce, Oscar tells us about his experiences in Canada with his host families and Rotary Clubs

Here I am in London, Canada. I never thought that this day would arrive. Rotary has given me this opportunity, my exchange. My name is Oscar Arce; I’m from Bolivia, South America. I’ve been here since August 21 2011, and I’ve been having the best time of my life. This experience has been a little difficult, mainly because I had to leave my family and friends, but also I had to make new friends. I was a little scared that people at my new school (Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School) wouldn’t be nice or would be hard to get along with, but they are AWESOME!!! Making friends was not hard at all! Canadian people are just GREAT! I love Canada not just because the country is beautiful, but because the people are beautiful in every aspect.

The Thomson’s were my first family. They are such a nice family, although their kids are not at home (all grown up) I had a great time with them. My dad’s name (Host father) is Scott, he is an interesting person, and I got along very well with him. Scott is a professional hunter and a dog trainer, I got the chance to be a trainer and a “kind of” hunter, why do I say a “kind of”? because I didn’t have the chance to hunt but I was always there to watch ha ha ha!!!. I enjoyed a lot to spend time with him. My mom’s name (Host Mother) is Linda; she is such a nice lady and an EXCELENT COOK (she feed me well). She caused me to gain a couple of pounds. She taught me about cooking and now I can cook…. Not so good! Sabrina, Kyle and Jordan are my host siblings, I don’t know about them very well because they don’t live at home, although I know they love cats. The little time that I spent with them was very nice and when we were together I felt like I was at home.

Now, I am with second host family, The Khans. I can say that they are such nice people although I’ve been here less than a week. The members of my second host family are Peter (dad), Janice (mom), Ryan, Charisse and Nisha (Host Siblings). Nisha and Charisse live in Toronto and Ryan in Japan. The first thing that I did with them was in Toronto, we went there for “New Year’s”, and we had a great time a lot of fun! I got to know the WHOLE family, I don’t actually remember all their names because they were like 70! I know that I will have a good time here.

Last but not least, my Rotary Clubs! I am being hosted by two Rotary Clubs, Hyde Park and London North Rotary club. They are just an incredible group of people; they have fun even when they are dealing with business.

Rotary, Thank for letting me have this AMAZING EXPERIENCE! …… And thanks to my mom because she let me do it.
Oscar Arce