New Horizons: Tess Schaefer’s Global Journey with Rotary Youth Exchange

Season 2, Episode 74

In this episode of Along the Rock, we follow the inspiring journey of Tess Schaefer, a Rock Falls native who spent nearly a year living in Denmark through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. What started as a childhood dream sparked by meeting a former exchange student became a life-changing adventure filled with cultural surprises, personal growth, and unforgettable connections.

Tess shares the challenges of adapting to Danish life—from navigating public transportation and learning a new language to trying unique foods like pickled herring and eel for Christmas breakfast. She also reflects on the deep impact of the exchange on her worldview, her understanding of global perspectives, and her future career in nonprofit veterinary work.

Whether you're curious about cultural exchange, education abroad, or how a small-town student became a global citizen, this episode offers insight, humor, and inspiration.

🎧 Ready to explore the world through Tess’s eyes? Listen now.

#RotaryYouthExchange #CulturalExchange #StudyAbroad #SaukValleyStories #GlobalPerspective #AlongTheRock #RotaryInternational #YouthTravel

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:43 - Introduction to Tess Schaefer

2:18 - What was It Like Studying Abroad?

3:19 - Preparing to Study Abroad

8:30 - Culture Shock

14:51 - Memorable Moments From Studying Abroad

22:18 - Interested in Studying Abroad of Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student?

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