At the Friday breakfast meeting, Rotarian Ralph Gould introduced his grandson Alex Seaborg, a Rotary exchange student who spent 11 months in Hat Yai Thailand experiencing the culture, volunteering his time, and traveling.
After graduating from Middleton High School, Alex applied through Rotary District 6250 to participate in the student exchange program. His parents were part of similar exchange programs; Dad went to Japan and Mom to London. Their experiences inspired Alex to follow in their footsteps.The Rotary International student exchange program has sent young people around the globe to experience new cultures. Currently, about 9,000 students are...
sponsored by Rotary Clubs every year. This program “inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers – Rotary members and nonmembers alike – who make this unique program so successful.”
The city of Hat Yai was home where Alex lived and shared experiences with three wonderful exchange host families. During his stay he had the opportunities to teach piano, English, and anti-drowning swim classes to young children. Through Rotary he helped fit people in need of glasses. He also had a great opportunity to visit a local veterinary school. His passion for animals will be his focus in fall when he attends UW Madison looking to major in Zoology.
As part of his presentation, Alex shared pictures of his host families, friends, and adventures of visiting regions of Thailand, Singapore, Hanoi Vietnam, Malaysian and Melbourne Australia. Other activities included hiking through the jungle, visiting beautiful waterfalls, surfing, and kayaking.
At the end of his stay, Alex’s family joined him and his three host families in a celebration of his time in Thailand, the experience of a lifetime.
Alex, thank you for the excellent presentation and best wishes in following your dreams.
