As Princeton’s Destiny Earle readies to leave for her exchange to Peru, another Rotary Youth Exchange student is preparing to leave his home to come and live in Princeton for 11 months.
Eighteen year old Rui Ferreira da Silva Junior, was born in São Paulo and lives in Osasco, Brazil.
Rui considers himself to be a sociable, charismatic and helpful person. His favourite subjects of study are: physics, math, English, philosophy and sociology.
Rui loves music. In a letter he wrote to Rotary he describes music as having a great influence in his life. “For me, it represents expression, art and culture. I live by and for the music,” he wrote.
His favourite bands include: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Oasis, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park. Rui plays in a band called Political Zoo.
Rui has two sisters; Mariana and Caroline. His father Rui, a former sergeant in the Brazilian Army, owns and operates a machine shop called, Consertec. Rui’s mother, Ana is a Portuguese teacher with masters in Portuguese language and literary criticism.
Rui has never travelled abroad before, but states that he’s, “always wanted to.” He feels that the Rotary Youth Exchange Program will be, “an experience of great importance for my resume, a great personal opportunity to help in my maturity and of course, it will open new horizons.”
Rui expects to learn about the culture of this important nation, language, customs, socioeconomics and political system.
Three to four families are needed to host Rui during his stay in Princeton. Families with younger children, older children or adults only in the home are welcomed. Exchange parents (families) would host Rui for a period of two and a half to three and a half months, dependant upon the number of host families available.
Rui will be expected to become a part of the host family; assisting with household chores, attending school and participating in the family’s lifestyle.
April Earle, is the Princeton Rotary Youth Exchange Officer. She is the support person for host families and the exchange student. Her duties include; supporting the parents with any concerns—should any arise, and to provide support to Rui with concerns involving home-sickness, expectations, school and meeting requirements—should they arise.
April and her husband Jason have hosted two exchange students and can attest to the benefits of the program. “This is a really wonderful opportunity to learn about a different culture and bring a different dynamic into your life,” states April.
If you would like more information or if you can help Princeton Rotary in hosting Rui, the exchange student from Brazil, please contact April at 250-295-5346.