2. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE
ROTARIAN COUNSELOR?
To serve as a liaison between the
students, Rotary Club, Host families
and the community at large, the role
of the Rotarian Counselor is critical
for the success of the Youth
Exchange Program.
3. The Counselor serves as the
student’s primary contact,
easing his or her transition into
the country and the community
through regular personal contact
throughout the year.
6. RESULTS OF 2013-2014
POLL
1736 Students surveyed.
66% Had negative comments.
25% Had considered an early return.
20% Had issues with their host families.
29% Received help with the language.
62% Monthly allowances were late.
7. Results continued….
34% Didn’t feel included.
38% Had regular contact with club.
44% Had any help from YEO.
52% Felt their expectations were
fulfilled.
58% Didn’t feel welcome!
8. 50% COMPLAINED ABOUT THEIR
COUNSELORS
Host counselor rarely contacted me.
YEO and Counselor were too busy.
My counselor was not prepared.
My counselor didn’t help me.
I didn’t have a counselor.
I only spoke with my counselor once.
I only met with my counselor three times.
I met my counselor 6 months after arrival.
My relationship with my counselor was not
good.
10. WHAT IS MOTIVATION?
The continued effort toward a goal
even though obstacles may exist.
Motivation is not only the desire to
achieve the goal, but also the love of
learning, the love of challenge, and the
ability to thrive on obstacles.
All of us are volunteers, we are the lifeblood of our organization, by keeping the motivation of our counselors high, we guarantee to success of an exchange!
Be a good example, people watch what you do more than they listen to what you say! Be someone worth emulating.
Introduce your new comers with experienced counselors, so that everybody knows each other. Whenever possible include the counselors in the decision making process, so that they feel “part of the Program”
Intelligent listening is an important part of success. Ask questions, get a genuine interest in the responses and put in place the ones that will improve the program.
Some are motivated by the program itself while others may be interested in networking and a few could be looking for personal recognition. When possible give hem tasks that will support their goals.
Share the Program Accomplishments and Milestones, counselors want to know they are helping to make a difference. Communicate effectively, and share your knowledge.
Acknowledge the hard work they are doing. Recognize their accomplishments and thank them in public.
Make sure your counselors have the knowledge they need to succeed at their position; if they are saddled beyond their capabilities, they may become frustrated or burn out more quickly!
Can we apply them to the counselors?
Be first: I’m a person of action! Be curious: I seek to understand! Be on purpose: I’m certain of my outcome and move steadily toward it!
Be Grateful: I focus on things for which I can be thankful! Be of Service: I give of myself! Be here now: I live in the present moment!
Being creative means solving a problem in a new way. It means changing your perspective.
Being creative means taking risks and ignoring doubt and facing fears. It means challenging yourself every day. Being creative means searching for inspiration in even the most mundane places. It means creating without critiquing. Being creative means you know how to find the similarities and differences between two completely random ideas.
Establish a line of communication and build a solid foundation of trust. Be consistent and keep promises.
A few encouraging words can lift the self esteem of a young person.
Focus on establishing a bond, a warm friendship. Successful Counselors are those who can be a true friend while maintaining the role of a responsible adult.
According to students, their sense of belonging is fostered by a Counselor that demonstrates warmth and openness, encourages their participation, is enthusiastic, friendly and helpful, and is organized and prepared.