VOC Student Kaori Emerson’s Year-Long Adventure in France

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village has shared inspiring stories from two exchange students making the most of their international experiences. Gabi Curi from Brazil studied at Sedona Red Rock High School, while Kaori Emerson, a 16-year-old from Mingus Union High School, spent a year immersed in the culture of Douai, a picturesque city in northern France.

Emerson, who returned to Arizona on June 28, 2023, embraced the opportunity to challenge herself beyond her comfort zone. “I’m terrified of heights,” she admitted, noting that participating in orienteering—an adventure sport involving navigation through wooded areas—pushed her boundaries. “Despite my fear, I realized I couldn’t let it hold me back from unique experiences.”

Cultural differences struck Emerson upon her arrival in France, particularly regarding social norms. She noted the casual consumption of alcohol among French teens and the formal expectations surrounding school attire. “I had to buy another suitcase to fit all my new clothes,” she laughed. Dining customs, such as prolonged meal gatherings with host families, also left a lasting impression on her. “We’d sit for hours, engaging in conversation over several courses—something quite different from dining in America.”

The Rotary Club plays a vital role in facilitating these exchanges, requiring that each outbound student is paired with an inbound counterpart, which necessitates volunteer host families. Interested families can find more information at rotary5495youth.org. The club prides itself on its vetting process, ensuring the safety and comfort of all students involved.

For those curious about participating in the Rotary Youth program, an informative session will be held at Sedona Red Rock High School on September 17 at 5 p.m. through this initiative, students like Emerson have been able to unveil new horizons and broaden their ambitions. “Don’t take any moment for granted,” she advises. “It goes by in a flash.”

On August 15 at 7:30 a.m., Emerson will share her journey with the Rotary Club at the Sedona Public Library in the Village. Her mother, Angela, reflected on her daughter’s transformation through the program. “She’s gained so much maturity and cultural awareness,” she noted, adding that Kaori is considering a future in social justice or education, inspired by her experiences abroad.