Youth Exchange Year-End Program - Haley Morgenstern

 

A tremendous presentation was given today by 2016 Rotary Exchange Student Haley Morgenstern. Introduced by Youth Services Committee leader Cheri Krull, Haley entitled her presentation "One Year in Finland". 

 

Before beginning, and at the conclusion of her presentation, Haley thanked the club several times for the opportunity to take part in such a life changing adventure. Haley stayed with a total of 4 different host families, each of which welcomed her to their home in different ways. 

 

Throughout her presentation, Haley showed many vivid pictures of her friends, the places she explored, and the experiences she had. 

 

The adventure began with Finnish Camp, where Haley was given a crash course in the Finnish language. Finns speak a very unique language that has no connection to English whatsoever, which makes it challenging for an American to speak.

 

For Haley's first night with her first host family, she was treated to hamburgers from a place called Bus Burger. The Finns are fascinated with America, and the restaurant was built from old yellow American school busses. Ironically, Haley said the burger she had was the best she ever had!

 

While with her first family, Haley spent a lot of time exploring the town and the many nearby lakes. Finland has hundreds of lakes, and is known as The Land of a Thousand Lakes. She also spent time at the family's summer cottage, which many people have in Finland. There they went to the sauna and grilled food outdoors. Haley said most food in Finland is bland, except for the desserts. 

 

On to her second host family, Haley celebrated Christmas and even had them throw a Halloween Party, which is not normally celebrated. Haley also visited Lapland with her second family. According to the Finns, Santa Claus lives in Lapland. 

 

Haley's time with her third host family included a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia and the Russian Museum. Haley wished she had more time to explore. 

 

Finally, Haley went to live with her fourth host family, which she admitted to bonding with the most. She continues to remain in close contact with them. 

 

At the end of her year in Finland, Haley went on a whirlwind EuroTour where she visited several countries and cities.