On August 7th, the Minneapolis Uptown Rotary Club had the pleasure of welcoming Irene and her exchange “sister” Johanna to share highlights from Irene's summer trip abroad and their collective time back in Minnesota.
Irene, a student at Minneapolis Washburn High School, spent a month in Germany through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and the Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP), staying with Johanna’s family in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.
In their presentation, Irene described the warm welcome she received from her host family, the strong bond she and Johanna formed, and the many cultural experiences she enjoyed. She shared how she was struck by the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation in Germany, the abundance of green spaces, and the awe-inspiring beauty of a grand cathedral they visited. Irene expressed that is was “such a positive experience” and is already talking about going back. She also hopes to travel to other places now that's she's had a taste for traveling to another country!
The exchange has been a two-way street! Johanna is now visiting Minnesota for a month, exploring the Twin Cities, enjoying summer at a cabin up north, and getting a taste of life in the Midwest.
Kwame, Irene’s proud father, expressed his gratitude:
“Thank you so much for hosting Irene and Johanna at the Rotary meeting. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, and they enjoyed meeting everyone.”
Through Rotary Youth Exchange, Irene and Johanna are no longer just exchange partners--they're family. Their connection is a testament to the North Star Youth Exchange’s vision: “We are building world peace, one student at a time.” The Minneapolis Uptown Rotary Club is proud to sponsor these life-changing experiences that foster lasting friendships and deeper cultural understanding.
For more photos of this event click here.
Rotary Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) is designed for students who want an immersive cultural experience without committing to a full academic year abroad. STEP pairs students from different countries, who each host one another for about three to six weeks--typically during school breaks. This direct exchange allows participants to live with a host family, experience daily life, explore local customs, and develop lasting friendships. Because both students host and travel, STEP fosters mutual understanding and builds strong personal connections that often last a lifetime.
