CSRYE provides students in the Central United States and parts of Ontario between the ages of 16 and 18 the opportunity of a lifetime! It’s a chance to spend 11 months in another country learning the language and culture. Students generally apply in August and September to go on exchange the following year. The goal of this program is to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person-to-person level.
Students and their parents are guided through orientation and information about their exchange year. Outbound students typically stay with two or three Rotary-approved families and receive a monthly stipend for incidental expenses. Rotary Youth Exchange outbound students need to be above average students who are eager for the chance to try new things and meet new people. You will learn about other cultures, about other people and about yourself.
Contact your local Rotary Club today for more information.
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
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 close to home in the USA/Canada).
Where can I go?
We have exchanged with dozens of countries, including:
| Argentina | Belgium | Brazil | Colombia | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Finland | France | Germany | Indonesia |
| Italy | Japan | Philippines | Poland | Slovak Republic |
| South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Taiwan | Thailand |
… and more!
What makes Rotary unique is that you will not choose the country you are placed to – you must be open to being assigned to any one of a list of countries!
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 clubs and Rotarians
- Program ran exclusively by volunteers committed to the program
- Lower cost compared to other programs
Do I Qualify?
Key Qualifications:
- Must be a good student
- Between 15.5 and 18.5 years old at the time of departure (August)
How much does it cost?
Expenses vary from one situation to another, but include:
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Orientation / training provided by Rotary
- Possibly language school/extra insurance in your host country
- Passport and visa
- Pins, presents, photos
- Spending money / extra trips in your host country/ souvenirs
Rotary provides:
- Host families and school
- Monthly allowance
- And often lots of extras…
More Info…
For more information, contact your local Rotary Club or visit the Districts section of this website to determine your local District.