Information About Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange is for high school aged students who are interested in living and studying abroad for one year. Its goal is to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person to person level.
What is Rotary Youth Exchange…?
Opportunity to learn a new culture and language
Opportunity to be an ambassador
Opportunity to make friends for a lifetime
It's a year of adventure
Our returned students call it "The best year of my life."
Quick Overview...
It is not a vacation...instead it's a cultural and academic exchange that lasts a full school year(11-12 months.)
While on exchange you will have the opportunity to learn the language and culture of your host country.
While in your host country you will attend school, be hosted by families (normally 3-4 )and be supported by your Rotary club and Rotary counselor (as well as Rotarians here in the USA/Canada.)
Where can I go?
We exchange with over 40 countries, including:
Australia
Japan
Thailand
India
France
Brazil
Spain
Germany
Sweden
Mexico
Belgium
Argentina
Zaire
Poland
Finland
...plus others.
When applying, you indicate which countries interest you the most--and we attempt to place you in one of them. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our program we can not guarantee that you will be placed in a specific country.
Why Rotary?
Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the largest, oldest and most respected Youth Exchange Programs.
Key reasons to consider Rotary include:
- Orientation/training process before you leave
- Hosted by a Rotary Club and Host Families
- Activities with Rotary/Rotarians
- Low Cost / Everyone is a volunteer
Do I Qualify?
Must be a good student (top half of class)
Between 16 and 18 1/2 years old at the time of departure
Other Important Attributes:
A willingness to learn the language and culture of the country that your are assigned to.
The initiative to get involved in activities in you host country.
-be willing live apart from their familiesfor the year
-be open to new and different experiences
A member of your family does not need to belong to Rotary for you to beeligible.
How much does it cost?
It varies:
- Airfare depends on country (and is higher than you might expect because of specific ticket requirements)
- Insurance / orientation / blazer
- possibly language school/extra insurance in your host country
- passport and visa
- pins, presents, photos
- spending money / extra trips in your host country/ souvenirs
For most students the cost of the year is between$4,000 - $6,000 ($5,000 - $7,000 $CAD) although this is very much dependent on your spending habits while on exchange.
This does not include what your parents save while you are gone (food, car insurance, etc.)
Rotary provides:
- host families and school
- monthly allowance
- and often lots of extras...
More Info...
For more information, contact your local Rotary Club's Youth Exchange Officer or visit the Districts section of this website to determine which District you live and get the appropriate contact information.