From the year 1991, Rotarians in Chennai (District 3230) came forward to host a few of these students during their stay in the city. This homestay has been a very rewarding experience for the students since it gives them an opportunity to interact with the Rotarian Families and obtain a better understanding of our way of life, our culture and so on. Equally the Rotarian families have found this a most enjoyable experience. By the time the students come to Chennai they would have already visited 5 or 6 Countries which gives them a tremendous exposure. They are therefore extremely well informed and hence are a great pleasure to interact with. In response to a request from our side, the University of Pittsburgh also introduced a new scheme 'Interport Scholarship' sometime in 1993. under this scheme, our Rotary District is able to select 2 students of Madras University, fly them to the port from where the ship sails to Chennai and these students then board the ship from that port and travel to Chennai as Interport students.
Our students who have participated in this programme have not only found the experience unique and rewarding, they have also been able to create a good impression on the other students as well as faculty members. For a period of a week or so, when they travel on the ship to Chennai, they have a great opportunity to interact with a cross section of students drawn from different parts of U.S.A. They are able to talk to them about our Country, our people, our culture etc and also learn a lot about their way of life. This has gone a long way in promoting world understanding and from that point of view, this can be considered as one of the finest projects of our Rotary District in the avenue of International Service.
Interport Students programme
Usually the Ship berths in Chennai in March and October every year. Students selected for the Interport programme will generally have to join the ship in end February / early March (in a African port) and in early October in one of the Ports in Thailand / Singapore / Malaysia. Selection of students for this purpose will be held towards end December / early January (for February / March programme) and in early August (for October programme).
Those interested in more details can refer to the Book 'Exciting World of International Service in Rotary' by Rtn.PP.N.Krishnan.