Article about Lexi Carley, our outbound student to Portugal

Rotary's programs for students can change the lives of those who participate. The Long Term Youth Exchange program is open to students ages 15-19. To qualify, they should be above-average students who have demonstrated leadership in their community.

Candidates for the program should also possess qualities such as flexibility and a willingness to try new things that will enable them to fully experience life in another country, and become excellent cultural ambassadors. All applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and complete a written application and in-person interview.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons and learned of each other's cultures through The Rotary Youth Exchange.More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program.

Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) and District 5890, Houston, Texas have agreed to participate this year and on Sunday a student from Houston in Texas, Alexandra (Lexi) Carley, aged 17 arrived to spend a year with her Portuguese host families. She will first stay in Almancil with Sr & Sra Helder Martins and their three teenage daughters, where she will participate fully in family life experiencing all the things that the girls do, which will include attending school in Quarteira. Lexi was met at Faro airport by Sr & Sra Martins, their daughters and the Vice-President of Almancil International Rotary Club, Dr Raymond Parfait

During her year in The Algarve Lexi will stay with other families.

A student from The Algarve will leave shortly to spend a reciprocal year with families in Houston.