Although the COVID-19 pandemic has kept us from meeting in person, RAH joined with all four of its former exchange students in its first worldwide meeting.
6 pm in La Crosse. 1 am in Austria, Italy and Poland. 7 am in Taiwan.
 
A typical Tuesday evening RAH meeting became a first for the club as four former youth exchange students joined from their respective homes. The virtual event gave both the students and members a chance to reconnect with friends and get a global perspective on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Thanks to questions from Laura, club members learned how different countries are managing lockdown orders. From relative easing due to quick action in Taiwan to more gradual lifting of restrictions in places like Italy, the students shared their struggles and how they're keeping busy. A current outbound exchange student living in Taiwan also shared how she's coping with remaining a world away from friends and family in the Coulee Region.
 
The students also touched on some of the things they miss from their time in La Crosse. From favorite restaurants like Buzzard Billy's and Huhot to RAH events like the Ugly Sweater and Hixon maintenance efforts, some even said they miss the Wisconsin winters.
 
RAH invites our friends from around the world to join us for future virtual meetings and in-person visits to La Crosse, whatever the season, when the time comes to meet again.