Ned prepares to go snow skiing in Austria with his host family while on a Rotary Youth Exchange.
For Yarrawonga Rotarians Belinda Pendergast and Cate Febey, Rotary Youth Exchange is about far more than travel. It is about transformation, building confidence, opening minds to new cultures, and giving young people experiences that can shape their future.
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Both women speak with genuine passion, not only as members of the Yarrawonga Rotary Club but as parents who have seen the program change their own children’s lives.
Cate, the club’s Youth Director, first became involved through her father before watching her daughter Danielle embark on a life-changing exchange to the United States.
“It really sparked my interest in what Rotary does,” Cate said.
“Helping the community, supporting young people and the fellowship within Rotary are what I enjoy most.”
Belinda’s journey also began through Youth Exchange after her son Ned travelled to Germany on a short-term exchange.
Ned Pendergast shares Christmas with his German host family.
“The club sponsored him, and I wanted to give something back,” Belinda said.
“I joined Rotary and took on the Youth portfolio because I wanted to see the program grow again in Yarrawonga.”
Both agree the most powerful outcome is not the travel, but the personal growth students bring home.
“Ned was already confident, but he came home more independent and worldly,” Belinda said.
“It opened his eyes to a bigger world.”
Cate saw the same change in her daughter.
“She was quite quiet before she left … she came home so much more confident,” Cate said.
“Every student grows because they’re challenged to step outside their comfort zone.”
Rotary Youth Exchange offers two programs to immerse young people in another culture while building independence and resilience.
The long-term exchange allows students aged 15 to 18 to spend a year overseas, attending school and living with three to four host families.
Students are fully immersed in daily life, learning language, culture and customs in a way few tourists ever experience.
“It isn’t a holiday,” Belinda said.
“Students attend school, become part of the family and really immerse themselves in another culture.”
Belinda Pendergast and Cate Febey joined Rotary after their children’s life-changing experiences with an international Youth Exchange.
The short-term exchange is a reciprocal six to 12-week program where students live with an overseas family and later host their exchange partner in return, creating a true two-way cultural experience.
Belinda has hosted students from Germany, France and Denmark, all becoming part of her family.
“They fit into your everyday life,” she said.
“You take them to football, show them local history, visit places like Beechworth and Melbourne, and let them experience Australian life.
“They become part of your family and you want them to experience everything that makes Australia special.”
One Danish student was surprised by rural living.
“He couldn’t understand why we didn’t have public transport, so we got him a bike to get around,” Belinda laughed.
Students also experience uniquely Australian moments, from AFL games and bush visits to learning about Ned Kelly.
A key strength of the program is the lifelong friendships it creates.
“Social media helps them stay connected now,” Belinda said.
“Years later they’re still talking to friends from all over the world.”
Safety and preparation are central to Rotary’s program and Cate recalled her daughter Danielle being in the United States during the September 11 attacks.
“Rotary was incredible,” Cate said.
“They immediately arranged support and ensured every student was safe.
“They simply won’t send students anywhere they believe isn’t safe.”
Students also attend orientation before departure and debrief sessions on return to help them adjust.
The Rotary Club of Yarrawonga is preparing for another exchange cycle, with local student Indi Leary heading to Mexico and Mexican student Regina arriving in Yarrawonga.
Another student is also preparing for a long-term exchange next year.
“You welcome someone into your home and life,” Belinda said.
“You learn about another culture while sharing your own. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Cate encourages families to get involved.
“If parents or students are thinking about it, come and talk to us,” Cate said.
“The confidence, resilience and friendships they gain are priceless.”
For enquiries about Rotary Youth Exchange, contact Cate Febey on 0407 369 431.
