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. Administered by Rotary clubs, districts and multidistrict groups, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 8,000 students each year.

The first documented exchanges date back to 1927, when the Rotary Club of Nice, France, initiated exchanges with European students. Exchanges between clubs in California, USA, and Latin American countries began in 1939, and exchange activities spread to the eastern United States in 1958. In 1972, the RI Board of Directors agreed to recommend Youth Exchange to clubs worldwide as a worthwhile international activity that promotes global peace and understanding.

Hosting a Youth Exchange student from another country is a challenge — and an opportunity. Involvement with an exchange student challenges a host family to become familiar with another culture, while providing the opportunity to share a student's hopes and ambitions. These challenges and opportunities promise to enrich the lives of every member of your family.

Because Rotary exchanges with more countries than any other exchange organization, you could have a student from one of 163 countries living in your home. Not only will you provide an unforgettable service to a student from abroad, but you also will educate your family about the world around them.

Types of Exchanges

Each year, local Rotary districts and clubs worldwide arrange thousands of international exchanges for high school-aged students. The primary goal of the program is to foster world understanding by way of intercultural exchange.

There are two principal types of exchanges:

Long-term exchanges: These exchanges usually last an academic year in the host country, during which the student lives with more than one host family (usually three families for three months at a time) and attends school.

Short-term exchanges: These vary from a few weeks to three months. They often take place when school is not in session and usually do not include an academic program. Short-term exchanges usually involve a homestay experience with a family in the host country, but also can be organized as international youth camps and tours that bring together students from many countries.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Rotary Youth Exchange student, please contact the Youth Exchange chairperson. The chairperson may not be located in your hometown because he or she coordinates the program for a larger region, which is called a district. The district chairperson will conduct an interview with you and have you fill out an application form. Once you have completed your application and interviewed with the district chairperson, the application process is complete.

When to Apply

As the Rotary Youth Exchange program is highly selective, you should apply early — up to a year in advance of when you wish to leave. For example, for long-term exchanges, selection takes place in the fall prior to the year you will make your exchange. If you wish to travel abroad during your junior year, you should apply in September of your sophomore year.

If you are wondering why it is necessary to apply so early, once you are selected, your sponsoring Rotary club and district will work to prepare you for your year away. You will be guided through a series of orientation sessions so you'll be ready for your new life in a new country.

Volunteer

If your family is interested in hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student, please contact the Youth Exchange chairperson.