Jae Hoon Jung arrived in Lakewood in August. He is the first Rotary Exchange Student in a couple years as the Pandemic postponed the Program for two years. For more than 40 years, Rotary Youth Exchange has been one of Rotary’s best-known programs. As an official program, it dates to 1975, but by that time, Rotary clubs had already been sending students abroad for decades with the aim of promoting international understanding and friendship.
What the program offers to and asks of participants is an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living, the same values that define Rotary itself.
Jae is sponsored by a Rotary club in Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea (South Korea). His father is Hang Sup Jun and his mother Ju Won Kim. He will attend Lakewood High School as a junior. Sunrise Rotarian, Lynda Carter and her family, will house him until his first host family, the Schlatzer’s, take over in early September. Jae intends to learn as much as he can about developing his English skills and learn about different cultures during his ten months at Lakewood High School. Eventually he wants to study Business Administration at a university in the states.Photo: Marty Harris, Hoon Jung and PDG Jim Harris met Hoon Jung at the airport.
Members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise will entertain him in their homes and take him to local attractions and events. The club provides an allowance and makes sure he can participate in school events and activities. Jae skis and played soccer in South Korea. He looks forward to getting involved in activities at the high school.
In addition to this International Service program, there are many Community, Vocational and Youth Service Activities of the two Rotary Clubs of Lakewood Rocky River. A noon club meets every Monday, and a morning club meets every Wednesday, both at Umerley Hall of the Rocky River Civic Center. Contact Kathy Berkshire at sloopyohio19@gmail.com to learn more and how you can join with men and women in your area to give back through service in your community, and internationally.