Rotary District 7360 sends approximately twenty students to study abroad each year.  Among those twenty, Jacob “JD” Damon from Tyrone High School was selected to study abroad in Fukui, Japan. Damon will be leaving for Japan on August 24 or 25.

Rotary exchange students are selected based on their academic record, community service and other accomplishments that distinguish them as rising leaders in their communities.

Damon wanted an experience that he knew he wouldn’t forget.

Because Rotary has a good exchange program, Damon figured there couldn’t be a better option. The city of Fukui is about a four hour drive west of Tokyo.  Damon still hasn’t received information about his specific host family, but he hopes to find out all of the details in the coming month.

As far as learning the language, Damon says he has been trying to learn the language for about 2 years but it’s hard when there is a lot he has to do at school.

“I just haven’t been able to focus on it,” said Damon.

The concept of immersing yourself in an entirely new culture may seem scary to some, but Damon said, “I like to take it one step at a time, I’m most excited to enter the airport and take-off, knowing that I will land in Japan for the first time.”

“I am very excited for him,” said Damon’s current social studies teacher Todd Cammarata, “I’m so impressed by JD’s sense of adventure.  He’s undaunted by the challenge of learning a new language and culture.  I’m sure he’ll have a great experience.  I’m hoping he keeps in touch with the Tyrone High School community next year.  We would love to hear about his experiences.”

When asked if he was nervous to go to Japan he said, “I’m only nervous one year won’t be enough for me.”

“Through his written application and pre-interview with his local Rotary club, Jacob was selected for an interview with the district committee,” said Rotary official Amy Stever, “He met with three different interview committees who all agreed that Jacob would be an excellent student ambassador for Tyrone and Rotary International.”

Damon will be in Japan for about 10-11 months participating in community service and events through Rotary and also activities through his school. He will also be living with a host family and he will be expected to participate in the family household and any activities they in which may be involved.

“I’d say it was harder to find the opportunity than to actually do it,” said Damon, “once I found the opportunity, I absolutely wanted to go with no questions.”