Check out stunning pictures from her unforgettable Germany experience here 👉👇
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQo1O89DCnC/?igsh=bXM5aGFkamZ1bnJk
We are excited to welcome back *Jadesola Gloria Akintayo*, our *Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador*, from her six-month exchange program in *Germany, District 1890*
Jadesola returned on Thursday September, 25. She is the daughter of Rtn. Dr. Akintayo Adebayo of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi and Mrs. Adetutu Akintayo.
She embarked on her journey on *Sunday, April 13, 2025*, during the tenure of Rotarian Femi Adenekan (DG 2024–2025), proudly representing District 9112 on the international stage.
Upon her return, Jadesola—accompanied by her parents—paid a courtesy visit to the District Secretariat, where she was warmly received by District Governor Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin and team.
During the reception, Jadesola shared highlights from her remarkable adventure through words and visuals with an eager audience, including prospective exchange candidates hoping to become the next ambassador.
Her exact words👉👇
Six Months in Germany: My Rotary Youth Exchange JourneyAt just eighteen, I boarded a plane from Nigeria with a heart full of excitement and curiosity, bound for a new world I had only ever seen in pictures. Through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, I left my home in District 9112 for District 1890 in Germany, joining the Rotary Club Altes Land Jork for six unforgettable months that changed my life in more ways than I could ever have imagined.When I landed in Germany, I was welcomed in the most heartwarming way possible. At the airport, I spotted a huge placard that read “Willkommen in Deutschland!”—“Welcome to Germany!”—with the Nigerian and German flags proudly printed on it. My host family stood there smiling, surrounded by new faces I would soon come to know and love, including fellow inbounds from Italy and Mexico. In that moment, any nerves I had melted away. I felt at home already.I lived in Lower Saxony known as Niedersachsen a beautiful region in northern Germany close to Hamburg. My host family lived in a picturesque little town called Hollern twielenfleth, and they had three daughters, one of whom had just returned from her own exchange program in Colombia. From the very start, they embraced me as one of their own, introducing me to their customs, their traditions, and their wonderfully active lifestyle.One thing about my host family is they were never still! We went on countless adventures together, from camping trips in Denmark with their fire truck (yes, they actually owned one!) to exploring Brussels. One of my favorite memories was walking 11 kilometers to a place called Neuwerk. It was tough, but the reward was magical, we camped out on hay, shared laughter late into the night, and truly bonded like family.Germany has a tradition known as Schützenfest, or “shooting festival,” which I found both fascinating and fun. It’s a centuries-old celebration where local marksmen’s clubs compete in shooting events, accompanied by parades, music, and traditional costumes. It happens every couple of years in many towns, and it’s less about competition and more about community spirit. Everyone comes together to celebrate heritage, music, and friendship and I was lucky enough to witness it firsthand. A family friend of my host family invited us to one hosted in her town called steinkirchen, it went on for five days and it was indeed a very memorable five days for me. We had something called the König Frühstück ( Queen’s breakfast) which was very delicious, there was alot of drinking and dancing and community bonding as well.Before my exchange, there were a lot of things I couldn’t do like riding a bike, for instance. My host family was shocked to hear that, and they made it their mission to teach me before I left. With their patience and encouragement, I finally learned! They also enrolled me in a swimming course, and I’m so proud to say I can swim now and I even earned a badge for it! I overcame my fear of dogs, thanks to their sweet and gentle dog, Liv, who quickly became my best friend, I summoned up the courage to finally play my dream sport—Basketball thanks to their encouragement and made some wonderful teammates aswell. We also explored Hamburg together multiple times, discovering its culture, architecture, and food.But the exchange wasn’t just about Germany. It was about the world. There were Rotary inbounds from all over the globe, and I made lifelong friends from every corner of it. Together, we shared our cultures, languages, and dreams. One of the highlights of my stay was the Rotary-organized Europe Tour, a two-week adventure that took us through Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Prague, Strasbourg, and Amsterdam. Traveling with other exchange students, laughing through the nights, sharing stories and snacks—it was an experience I’ll never forget.By the end of my exchange, my Rotary blazer was covered in pins and patches from every place I’d been and every person I’d met, a colorful, tangible map of my journey across Europe and through self-discovery.When I think back now, it’s hard to believe how much six months could change a person. I arrived shy and unsure, but I returned home confident, independent, and filled with gratitude. Germany became more than a host country it became a part of who I am.
By: Akintayo Jadesola Gloria
Phone number: 07080856129
E mail : akintayojadesola23@gmail.com
Dad: Rt.Dr. Akintayo Adebayo
Mum: Mrs Akintayo Adetutu