Youth Exchange is one of Rotary International's nine structured programs designed to help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process.

What Is It?

Youth Exchange is an exchange program for secondary school students age 15 - 18 1/2. Students travel to other countries to learn about the culture and the language as well as act as an ambassador for their own country. The exchange is coordinated at the Rotary district level and supported and hosted at the local level. Students are required to attend school and live with at least 2 - 3 host families during a period of one year. District 6510 has been participating in the long term Inbound and Outbound Youth Exchange programs since the mid 70's. In 1974, District 6510 joined with Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Inc. (CSRYE). This is a multi-district Rotary Youth Exchange organization which provides centralized administrative oversight for international recruitment and RI and state department requirements. This organization represents 17 districts from 6 mid-west states and part of Ontario, Canada.

Youth Exchange Objectives

The most powerful force in the promotion of international understanding and peace is exposure to different cultures. The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people-regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality-desire the same basic things: a safe comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for themselves and their family. Youth Exchange provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to live in another culture, thus planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.

• Provide young people with the opportunity to experience cultures other than their own.
• Broaden a student's view of the world and a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Develop leadership and communication skills.
• Advance international understanding and world peace.
• Host clubs, families, and their communities enjoy extended, friendly contact with someone from another culture.

Why Rotary?

• Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the largest, oldest, and most respected Youth Exchange Programs in our country.
• Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the generosity of Rotary's Youth Exchange program.
• Youth Exchange became an official program of RI in 1972.
• Administered by the local Rotary Clubs, Districts, and Multi-districts, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 8000 students annually.

Long Term Exchanges (11 - 12 Months)

Inbound Youth Exchange -An international high school age student will become part of your club and community for a period of 11- 12 months. A local Club, referred to as the HOST CLUB, will partner with the District Youth Exchange Committee, in order to ensure a safe and caring environment and facilitate a positive experience for the student, the Rotarians, and the community.

Host Club Responsibilities

• Club commitment to follow all requirements associated with Youth Exchange.
• Identify a Club Youth Exchange Officer and Club counselor who will receive specialized training.
• Identify and screen a minimum of one, but not more than 3 host families for the 11- 12 month exchange.
• Arrange for enrollment in your community high school.
• Ensure the financial commitment of approximately $2000 for the duration of the exchange
• Actively include the student into the life of the Host Rotary Club.

• Club Commitment Form 2011-12 (To be completed one year in advance)
• Financial Partner Request Form (For those clubs who are unable to afford the financial commitment)
• Preliminary Host Club Preparation
• Youth Exchange Officer and Club Counselor Responsibilities
• Volunteer Affidavit
• Host Family Recruitment Flyer
• Host Family Application & Instructions