Two women who arrived in Bermuda on a Rotary Youth Exchange 40 years ago have shared their “life-changing” experience on the island ahead of the application process for the programme beginning once again for young Bermudians, after a seven-year hiatus.

Four 18-year-olds from the island will be given the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture for a year, while four teenagers from abroad will get to experience Bermuda.

The process for students, in their final year of secondary school, with a view to travelling in August 2027, will begin next month.

Beverly Daniels, the vice-president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, said: “The exchange programme has been in action for over 50 years.

“Students can apply through their schools. That is their first point of contact. Once that happens, the ball starts rolling.

“The criteria have to do with character and the student’s ability to be in an environment without their parents.”

Sandra Ramaekers, from Belgium, and Margarita Faz, from Mexico, struck up a lifelong friendship when they met on the programme during the academic year of 1986-87.

The two 18-year-olds enrolled in hospitality classes at the Bermuda College while staying with various host families — for whom they had nothing but praise.

Ms Ramaekers first thought she was going to New Jersey, before learning that her destination was actually Bermuda.

“It was life-changing. You get so much more mature in that year.”

She returned to the island for a second year in 1991, when she was able to finish the two-year college programme.

Ms Faz, who arrived from Mexico, described the programme as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

“Most importantly for me was how Rotarians opened their hearts, their houses and treated you as if you were one of their own.”

Ms Faz added: “I’m really, really grateful for the opportunity I had.”

Both have returned to Bermuda on a number of occasions in the years since.

The Rotary Youth Exchange is one of many youth leadership development programmes offered by Rotary.

Some prominent Bermudians who featured as exchange students include DeVon Binns, Elizabeth Christopher, Jordan Bascome, Alison Outerbridge and Malcom Brock.

Ms Daniels said: “Rotary Bermuda is calling all former Rotary Youth Exchange students to form an alumni and help us to reintroduce the programme in Bermuda.”

• For more information, e-mail Beverly Daniels at bdaniels105@yahoo.com or call her on 777-5009