Lions exchange a success for two Scandinavian girls

Sabrina Kooistra
Times Junior Reporter

 

From July 10 to Aug. 6, Nikoline Binderup and Sara Jaatinen from Denmark and Finland, respectively, ventured to Strathmore as a part of the Lions International Exchange.
For the two, European travelling is familiar, but coming to Canada was an entirely new experience, especially as part of an exchange.
Binderup’s entire flight was prepaid by her local Lions club, but she had no say in where she was going to be sent after being accepted. The two choices the club was considering were Mexico and Canada, and fortunately for her, she was able to travel to what she called her “dream destination.”
Jaatinen’s experience was drastically different, with her local Lions club allowing her to choose three countries, and then having her choices considered and finally decided. In addition, she was granted €400 (400 Euros) for her travels.
Two Strathmore-area families – Clarence and Deanna Kooistra and Craig and Jana Kopp – invited the two students into their homes to stay. Jaatinen and Binderup expressed their desire to be immersed in a Canadian lifestyle while still taking part in the many tourist opportunities available. In response, the families toured around the province to several national and provincial parks such as those found in Drumheller and Banff.
In Drumheller, the girls visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum and saw the hoodoos; and in Banff and area they were able to view the breathtaking view of Lake Louise. In addition, the students were able to experience uniquely Calgarian activities, such as spectating at the North American competition at Spruce Meadows, watching a Calgary Stampeders game and taking in the chuckwagons and midway at the Calgary Stampede. As part of their exchange, Jaatinen and Binderup were also able to take in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains in a week-long international camp in Waterton.
From something as simple as purchasing North American clothes and candy, to travelling to some of Canada’s most internationally coveted destinations, the trip was an overwhelmingly positive experience, and both girls expressed their hope of coming back soon.
If the prospect of travelling or hosting is something you are interested in learning more about, please contact your local Lions club for further information.