Outbound OrientationsBest Practices

USA-Canada YE Network ConferenceReno-Sparks, Nevada

February 28-March 2, 2008

Al Kalter, ChairmanRotary Youth Exchange Florida

Rotary Youth Exchange is a business

Customers = Host districts/clubs

Suppliers = Sponsor districts/clubs

Products = Students

Marketing = Selection/Preparation

Defining our product …

New models every year– Bright, shiny, with lots of energy– Often consume a lot of fuel– Exported all over the world; imported too– Imports usually outnumber exports– Imports often better quality than exports– Exports often have features that are not really

suited for the international market

Defining our product …

Positioning in the market …

Positioning in the market …

Which model should you offer?

Top model:– High performance– Lots of features– Perfect “fit and finish”– Best investment– Top quality service– Enjoyable experience all around– Pride of ownership = Repeat Customers!

Which model should you offer?

Mid-range model:– Acceptable– Indistinguishable– Basic transportation, but not life-enriching– No real customer loyalty

Which model should you offer?

Low-end model:– High maintenance– Low residual value– Overall bad experience– Embarrassing to own– “I’d never have one of THOSE again!”

Which model should you offer?

One special consideration …

They all come with the same price tag!

Which would your customers prefer?

Which model should you offer?

Which would your customers prefer?

What features will you offer?

Fit and finish = Excellent preparation

High performance = Flexibility/adaptability

Easy to drive = Language ability

Low maintenance = Low maintenance

Strong dealer support = Communication

Warranty = Reputation of your program

What features will you offer?

Fit and finish = Excellent preparation

Outbound Orientations

Timeframe

Topics

Assignments

Progress Reports

Bon Voyage!

Outbound Orientations - Timeframe

Start soon after selection

Multiple meetings

Continue until summer

Personal coaching– Rotary counselors

– Rotex

– Inbound students

Outbound Orientations - Timeframe

RYE-Florida:– January 11-13: OB Orientation Weekend #1

– March: Local One-day Sessions

– June 20-22: OB Orientation Weekend #2

Outbound Orientations - Topics

Rotary Youth Exchange Basics– Program Rules– Host Families and Schools– Rotary Information– Club, School, Community Involvement– Rotary Support System

Universal Topics– Travel Guidelines– Financial Issues– Insurance and Medical Concerns

Outbound Orientations - Topics

Adaptation Issues– Language– Culture Shock and Adjustments– Homesickness

Other Topics– Public Speaking– Misbehaving– Sexual Abuse and Harassment– Realities of Youth Exchange– Expectations

Outbound Orientations - Topics

RYE-Florida– January

• RYE Basics

• Universal Topics

• Adaptation Issues

• Public Speaking

– March• Language, Misbehaving

– June• “Cultural Boot Camp”

• Graduation ceremony

Outbound Orientations - Assignments

Prior to first orientation:– Bio for website

For first orientation:– Speechcraft speech

– Read “The Exchange Student Survival Kit”

At first orientation:– Research Project (Maureen Considine, D5020)

– Language Learning Plan

Outbound Orientations - Assignments

For second orientation:– Research Project partial

– Language learning plan and progress

– Ten key phrases

At second orientation:– Application translation

Outbound Orientations - Assignments

For third orientation:– Essay: “What is Culture?”

– Myers-Briggs test

At third orientation:– Keep working

– Contact hosts

– Pack well, look good, travel safe

Outbound Orientations - Results

Awareness of expectations

Knowledge of program rules and guidelines

Familiarity with Rotary

Exposure to target language

Understanding of culture shock/homesickness

Insight into host country

Advantage of good first impression

Recognition of high standards of our brand

How about a test drive?

www.ryeflorida.org

The Youth Exchange ExperienceMike Williams– Outbound to Italy, 2005-06

– Sponsor: Rotary Club of Ocala, FL

“I get it now... I understand what this program is all about... understanding... An exchange never ends, it continues forever, because the only thing guaranteed in life is change, the only thing to satisfy change is understanding, and the only way to truly achieve understanding is adaptation. Rotary gives you an opportunity to WITNESS change in understanding through adaptation, first hand. And that is truly a miracle. That is how and why world peace can be achieved... We are all so different, yet so alike, that it is actually possible to change the world, one person at a time, one year at a time... So... who's turn is it next?”

The Youth Exchange ExperienceHannah Klein– Outbound to Japan, 2006-07– Sponsor: Rotary Club of Southpoint,

Jacksonville, FL

“There are no thanks great enough to give Rotary for what you’ve given me. Thank you Rotary, for making me a citizen of the world. You’ve helped to provide me with the confidence, knowledge, and love that I know now will last a lifetime. If there’s one thing I aspire to be, it’s a Rotarian; so that I can make this experience possible for other kids like me looking for a home in a country where they don’t belong.”

And they’re off …