Jacob Brinch Jepson is spending his 16th year away from home as part of the Rotary International Youth Exchange program.
The Danish student, who will be attending Innisfail Jr./Sr. High School as part of the Grade 11 class, calls Aarhus, Denmark, a city of more than 300,000 home. His father, Srands, and two sisters Julie and Mei, also participated in the international student exchange and enjoyed the opportunity.
“I applied for the program and was approved for the Innisfail area,” said Jepson, who finds the school system quite different. “Back at home, we go to school to learn the basic skills, then choose a specialty, and go to university if we want to.”
He added that upon his return to Denmark next year he will be studying business and possibly go to university.
“At home, I already have my own company that plans parties,” said Jepson. “We have our own disc jockey equipment and while I am here it is still active. I have been CEO and owner for a few years already.”
Jepson has been in Innisfail for two weeks and finds the weather similar to Aarhus.
“The town is very nice, and I like it because it is not too big,” said Jepson. “At school, it has been easy to meet people and I am going to learn about the Canadian education system. It will be different.”
The young entrepreneur will be participating with other Rotary Youth Exchange students in trips and travel opportunities.
“I do not know where we will be going but it will be nice to see the area,” added Jepson. “Part of the experience will be staying at my host family homes and I will gain a different perspective on how Canadian families live.”
Jepson was not sure where he would go when he applied for the exchange program but he “highly” recommends it for any teenager wanting to experience something different in life.
“I will be the last member of my family to be part of the program but I will be a member of Rotary for a long time,” said Jepson.
More information on the exchange program can be found at www.rotary.org.
