Lions International Youth Exchange
Program for Georgia USA

Building World Peace One Student at a Time
Hello,

My name is Becky Jarrell. I am the Lions Club International Youth Exchange Chair for Georgia. I’m passionate about this incredible program and I’d like to invite you to learn more about the Lions International Youth Exchange Program - opportunities for travel abroad and the opportunity for Georgia families to host international students this summer (June 29-7, 2024).

TRAVEL ABROAD
There are typically over 100 summer camps held by Lions Clubs around the world for youth ages 16-22. In the past few years, we have sponsored students to travel to a dozen international countries including Italy, Austria, Norway, Netherlands, Martinique, Republic of Georgia, Canada, Slovenia, Turkey, Estonia, France, Australia, Belgium, and Spain. The map below shows 2023 camps, but I've also included an Excel list of the 2024 camps.
Every camp is unique with different age ranges, themes, and activities. Some camps are for high school ages, and some are targeted for 18 and above. Every camp has a focus on cultural exchange. During the camp, you meet other international youth ambassadors from around the world. Most camps also have a "host family" component where you live with a local family for 1-2 weeks prior to the camp. There are also a few specialty camps for visually impaired or disabled.

Most camps have a relatively small camp fee (average is $200). The lodging, meals, and activities are covered by the local Lions Clubs. You are responsible for flight and travel insurance.

I've uploaded an Excel list to show the 2024 camps, start and stop dates, camp fee, and more. Click HERE to access.

Participants must be sponsored by a local Lions Club. We would like to sponsor 6-10 students in 2024. Application and supporting documents must be submitted to Georgia Lions Youth Exchange Chair by end of February.

Note: Georgia students who have participated as a host family in previous years will get first preference for travel abroad applications.

Find more info about the program at Lions Club International website
GEORGIA YOUTH EXCHANGE CAMP
The Georgia Lions also hold our own two-week leadership/cultural exchange camp (July 9-22). We will be hosting 12 international youth (ages 16-19) in Atlanta with side trips to North Georgia mountains and Savannah. Check out the videos below of our past camps.

We need help from all Lions in Georgia - from volunteering to sponsor an activity to finding and vetting host families to helping financially. Contact Lion Becky Jarrell if you're interested in helping.
HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT THIS SUMMER
The week prior to our camp, we coordinate for the incoming international students to stay one week with a Georgia host family so they can experience “real life” in our community (and get over jet lag!). This is a fabulous experience for your family to learn a little about their country too. We are looking Georgia families to share Southern hospitality and host an international student for one week from June 29 - July 7, 2024.
If you want to learn more, I encourage you to come to an information session (via Zoom or in-person). Email if you'd like an invitation to an upcoming session.

Warm regards,
Lion Becky Jarrell
Georgia Lions Youth Exchange Chair
Atlanta Lions Board Chair 2023-24
yce.georgia.us@gmail.com
lionbeckyjarrell@gmail.com
770-355-7726
In 2019, we hosted 15 students from 14 different countries for our first ever Georgia Lions Youth Exchange Camp. We also sponsored 6 Georgia "youth ambassadors" to travel abroad.

In 2022, we hosted 13 students from 8 different countries. We sponsored 3 Georgia students to travel abroad.

In 2023, we hosted 14 students from 12 countries (and 4 continents!)
Host Family Testimonials
It was an absolutely phenomenal experience for me and my children. All of the students were amazing. They truly became a part of our family in the time they were here.
We learned about a country we knew very little about and were able to share our country and culture with others.
We learned that teens all over the world have a lot in common, and they really enjoy learning about other cultures. It was fun for us to open our home and our hearts, and now we have friends all over the world!
Photos from previous Youth Exchange Camps - abroad and in Georgia
Georgia host families greet their international students at the Atlanta airport.
Below: our 2023 international youth ambassadors visit Center for Civil Rights Museum
Below: our 2021 international youth ambassadors visit Atlanta Lions Club in midtown