Rotary Youth Exchange Program

Rotary Youth Exchange Program

A s a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.

Whether you participate in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.
For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

Globally minded
Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.

How it works
Programs
Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young people ages 15-25 worldwide. There are two basic types of exchanges: short-term and long-term.

- Short-term exchange
General short-term exchange
Ages 15-19
Several days to several weeks long
Don’t involve attending high school, but students can tailor their experience to match their interests
Can include homestays, tours, and international youth camps

New Generations Exchange
Ages 18-25
Three to six weeks
Ideal for recent secondary school graduates
Can include homestays, tours, camps, or specialized internships

- Long-term exchange
Ages 15-19
One year
Involves living with a few host families and attending a local school

Students
How do I qualify?
Above-average student or young professional with demonstrated leadership in the community
Open to new experiences and cultural differences
Sponsored by a local Rotary club
Completed written application and in-person interview

How much will it cost?
Youth Exchange is coordinated at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Costs vary greatly from one area to another. Typically, participants and their parents cover the following expenses:
Round-trip airfare
Health and accident insurance
Travel documents
Clothing and other necessities
Spending money
Emergency funds for unpredicted expenses
Ancillary travel and tours

In most clubs and districts, participants do not pay placement fees, so those with financial constraints can share the exchange experience.

Sharing in the costs are host families (who pay for room and board), the host community (who cover school tuition and arrangements) and host Rotary club (who offer a small stipend of usually US$50-100 monthly.)

What are my responsibilities?
As a Youth Exchange student, you agree to
Act as an ambassador for your home country
Abide by all program rules of your host Rotary club and district
Accept the supervision of the host family, club, and district
Ask questions of your host family and local Rotarians
Be an active participant in your exchange

Where will my exchange be?
Exchanges can take place in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Please note, however, that the countries you visit depend on your home Rotary district. Contact your local club or district for more information. Locate the club nearest to you through Club Locator or your local phone listings, or find out whether a club or district has listed its website with Rotary International.

For further information, visit Rotary Youth Exchange website here