Ben's Rotary Youth Exchange: Itinerary

Ben

So this past weekend at the conference the outbound coordinators (Doug and Sharon Richmond) came up to me and said that I was the last one out of like 30 outbounds to get their Guarantee Forms! This wasn't a huge deal because my host parents have already contacted me and everything, but the only reason why I wanted them was so I could get my itinerary. Well I still don't have my Guarantee Forms... but I DO have my tentative itinerary:) which is AWESOME! I guess my corespondent sent my forms to my travel agent because they sent me an email on the 14th saying all my travel documents were in! WOOO :D I know I've said it a million times, but everything seems so official!!!

DEPART: THURSDAY AUGUST 20TH
ARRIVE: FRIDAY AUGUST 21ST

NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT: 1244
LEAVE: CHICAGO/O'HARE 12:05 PM
ARRIVE: DETROIT/METRO 2:30 PM
(235 MILES)

NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT: 40
LEAVE: DETROIT/METRO 4:00 PM
ARRIVE: AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS 5:55 AM
(3940 MILES)

NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT: 8245
LEAVE: AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS 8:20 AM
ARRIVE: BERLIN/TEGEL 9:40 AM
(361 MILES)

For any future outbounds interested in how much open-ended tickets cost, mine was $2,235.28. I don't know about your financial situation, but I come from a family of 5 kids, and two thousand dollars is a lot of money to me! However, the plane ticket is the only BIG payment a rotary exchange student is required to pay... If you are on the boarderline of rotary or another program... I'd really recommend rotary! Other programs cost like $10-$20K! So far, I have only had to pay for 2 conference weekends (<$500) and the travel expenses ($2300). Also, rotarians are so helpful with everything- seriously anything from personal concerns to financial concerns to travel arrangements... there is ALWAYS a rotarian you can call from your area and they will HELP YOU! GO WITH ROTARY :D

Labels: Itinerary

0 Responses

About Me

I realized that an "about me" section is pretty much pointless for a foreign exchange student because we CHANGE so much over the 3 year course of pre-exchange, exchange, and readjustment. This "about me" section is more of a timeline that shows how I’ve changed over the months.

27.5.10

Yo- I'm just a guy living life. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going, what I'm supposed to be doing... and just taking advantage of every opportunity that appears. I love adventure challenges, and people. Life is a crazy rollercoaster- I'm just along for the ride... trying to be myself and having as much fun as I can.

25.1.2010

I'm Ben, , and live in Berlin, Germany. 1/2 way through my exchange, life is absolutely amazing. I'm still learning new things every single day, but life remains exciting and full of fun! I am very happy here in Germany, and am so glad I decided to do a full year! I am so excited for what is in store for me in the second half of my exchange!

17.10.2009

My name's Ben and I'm an American exchange student living in Berlin, Germany for the 2009/2010 school year. Right now, I'm learning more about myself than I ever have in my entire life. I'm evolving so quickly into who-knows-what... and to be honest, its a little bit freaky. I love living in the city and having endless possiblilities at my fingertips- but after being away for 2 months I've grown to LOVE my hometown. I took it, and everyone and everything in it for granted. Nevertheless, This exchange year has been the best descision of my life. It's incredibly challenging, but INCREDIBLY worth it. I've met so many amazing people, seen so many beautiful places, and have gained so much experience! I have no idea what I'll be when I touch back down on American soil, but all I know is that after this crazy rollercoaster is over, I'm going to be different... much different.

8/12/09

Hey! My name is Ben Mau and I‘m spending my Junior year (09-10) abroad in Berlin, Germany. I've lived in the Midwestern United States (Madison, WI) for my entire life and I'm dying to get out and see the world. I love to learn about new cultures, and anything language oriented. If I could go anywhere right now I would go to Switzerland. My favorite language is French. I like to be random. As of right now… I AM DONE with American Schooling because it all seems like a giant game to get into the college… and I really don’t think that’s what education should be about! I want to learn real LIFE lessons not textbook shit. Going abroad is kind of like my own form of rebellion! So many people have the same feelings I do about High School but they don’t do anything about it! Well I am! I’m packing my bags, I’m saying goodbye to my family and friends. And I’m going abroad for a year. So who knows what will happen. Maybe I’ll have the year of my life! Maybe I’ll miss American High School. Maybe I’ll be deported. Haha… no I wouldn’t take it that far! All I have to say is that I’m going into this experience with an open mind! It’s going to be one crazy year… I can tell you that.

1/30/09

My Name is Ben, and I'm a sophomore in High School in Madison, WI. What to know about me? I enjoy the challenges of life. I'd rather be over-preoccupied than under-preoccupied. I'm the kind of student who would rather take a hard class, work hard, learn lots, and get a poor grade, than be in an easy class, review what I already know, and get an A+. I believe that life is more than just getting A's in classes, there is so much more to LEARN. I love being well rounded and actively participating in as many activities I possibly can. Specifically, I love forensics and polevaulting. I'm also class president at my school, and compose music on piano regularly. My friends are very important to me. They help me with everything, and back me up in my decisions and endeavors. Hopefully, this trip to Germany will open up my eyes a bit. Give me a new perspective about life, and help me grow as a person.

Countdown

Time Zone

About Me

Outbound

Inbound 09-10

Germany

Followers

Exchange Blogs

Helpful German Phrases

Blog Archive

Sponsor District

Sponsor Club

Host District

Host Club

I Like...