Global Experience offered in Westport - Rotary Exchange!

My son, Chris just graduated from Staples High School in Westport a few months ago.  Rather than go straight to college, he was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Westport Rotary to spend a year in Brazil.  There, he will take classes with the local students in their native Portuguese (here's Chris with his Physics teacher), stay with 3-4 host families, take sightseeing trips to see the country, and immerse himself in the culture, language, food, climate and lifestyle of  that country!  What a wonderful experience!  I encourage all parents and students to look into this program.  The students are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs from Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, Ridgefield and others.  Parents, you don't have to reciprocate by hosting a foreign student, unless you want to.  The application process begins in the fall for international travel the following summer/fall.  Students pick from over 46 countries in Europe, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.  Parents pay a small fee ($300?  I can't remember), as well as the one plane ticket, health insurance and optional side trips.   Rotary pays for schooling abroad, room and board, trips with host families, and even a monthly spending allowance - FOR 10+ MONTHS.  What a fantastic experience!  Why aren't more students doing this?  I have no idea!!!  Details about the Essex Exchange Program can be found at http://www.exchangestudent.org/.  Also, visit the blogs of Westport's 2  2010 exchange students at http://www.sledgenobrasil.blogspot.com/ and http://www.alexinvenezuela.wordpress.com/