Youth Exchange

Are you interested in learning a new language or meeting new people? Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime for the more than 8,000 students who participate each year. By sharing your own culture and embracing a new one, you help foster global understanding—and learn a great deal about yourself and your home country in the process.
 
 
WHAT IS A ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE?
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for high school and gap year students who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs.
 

IS AN EXCHANGE RIGHT FOR ME?

Exchanges are for people ages 15–19 who:
  • Have demonstrated leadership in their school and community
  • Are flexible and willing to try new things
  • Are open to cultural differences
  • Can serve as an ambassador for their own country

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Costs vary from country to country. Local Rotary clubs generously host students and provide room and board with a host family and a small monthly stipend. Participants are generally responsible for:
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Insurance
  • Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
  • Spending money, additional travel, and tour fees

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Contact your local Rotary club or our District 5150 Youth Exchange Chair, Mary Rogren, m_rogren@yahoo.com to learn more about the types of programs offered, and specific application process required. Because the selection and orientation process can be lengthy, we suggest you apply 6-12 months before you plan to leave.
We offer both long-term (school year) programs and short-term programs to over 30+ countries.
 
Long-Term Exchange Application (due by November 1 of each year. Applications may be accepted later on a case-by-case basis.)

CAN I HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT?

Hosting an exchange student can be an incredibly rewarding experience for your family, providing an international experience without leaving home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities.
Interested in learning more about being a host family? Contact a Rotary club near you.
 
 
Some additional information is provided by WESSEX. Western States Student Exchange. It’s found at www.rotarywessex.org. There is some info for students, host families, etc. We use this as a model for our students and host families.