Teen from Czech Republic shares exchange experience with Carson City Rotarians
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 1:00pm
Playing high school football can be a great experience for teens. But for Jonas Reitinger, it’s more than that. “It’s the European dream, playing American Football.”
Jonas is an exchange student from the Czech Republic. He has spent nearly a year in Carson City as part of the Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program. He earned a spot on the Carson High football team, despite never actually playing the game in his home country.
He recently shared his experience on living in Carson City with the Rotary Club of Carson City.
“I’ve had an amazing time here. I’ve met great people and visited many beautiful places,” Jonas shared. Students in the Rotary program live with three host families during their stay allowing them to experience different family activities. Aside from football, Jonas played on the Carson High Golf Team and competed with the Ski team.
Asked why he thinks exchange programs are important he was quick to say, “We are often afraid of things and places that we don’t know much about. I had a different idea about America before coming here. I think visiting other countries and cultures we can get rid of stereotypes.”
Carson High student Sofia Anastiakolupaeva agrees. She is getting ready to go to the Czech Republic this summer as a Rotary Youth Exchange participant. “I really think it’s important to experience other cultures. I’ve lived in Carson City my entire life and look forward to broadening my horizons.”
The Rotary Youth Exchange program helps students reach their true potential by developing lifelong leadership skills, learning a new language and culture, building lasting friendships around the world and becoming a global citizen.
If you know of a student who might be interested in participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange or if you are interested in hosting and exchange student please reach out to Peter Fishburn at pfishburn@charter.net. To learn more about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges.
