stud e n t s
story by Jill Carlson-Ferrie photo by Joey Halvorson
Lukiolaisille Opiskelu ulkomailla:
Translation =
High School Students
Studying Abroad
M
Marissa Bjerkness, a Brainerd High School senior, will be departing to Finland this August to participate in a 9-month study abroad program through Rotary International. Marissa contacted the Brainerd Noon Rotary Club over a year ago expressing her interest in their exchange program. As Rotary’s Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) I met with Marissa and her parents to discuss the program and application process on a Sunday afternoon at Caribou. Her interest in an exchange program began with her older sister’s exchange experience and an opportunity to see the world. “Other cultures and countries have always been interesting to me and I absolutely love traveling! I have always planned on traveling a lot in my life and when I heard about this program it sounded perfect and I just had this feeling that it was meant for me.” Marissa is the first Brainerd High School student in six years to participate in a year-long outbound exchange program. “Nobody believed me at first! Everybody who I told or figured out had to sit down with me and have me explain the process and things because to others in my school, it seemed too good to be true. A lot of my friends think it is the most perfect thing for me and are a little sad I’m leaving but super excited. The thing I love most is how many students now have learned about the opportunities we have in high school!” Acceptance to the program included a lengthy application process and an interview by Rotarians at the district level who assessed Marissa’s capability to adapt, open mindedness and ability to positively represent Rotary and the United States. She passed with flying colors. Students applying in the Rotary Exchange Program list the top 15 countries where they would like to study. Finland was Marissa’s 11th choice.
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FALL 2012 | her voice
Marissa Bjerkness, Brainerd High School Senior, will participate in a nine month student exchange program in Finland this year through Rotary International.