Rotary Youth Exchange

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is the largest & least expensive exchange program in the world. 

With over 8,000 students currently doing exchanges in the world, our Youth Exchange program provides youth with the opportunity to live with people from other countries, allowing for them to experience new cultures and planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.

Learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As your concept of the world expands, you mature and develop a deeper understanding of who you are. Immersion in another country’s educational system enhances academic and personal growth. Also, host clubs, families and the entire community are enriched by extended, friendly contact with someone from a different culture.  

The end goal of the program is to promote peace, understanding and friendship around the world. When you get to know and understand other people, you make them your friends.

Many claim that this is the very best of all the Rotary programs.

TAKE A TIME TO VIEW THIS GREAT INFORMATIONAL PAGE

Unfortunately, during this Rotary year 2020-21, we are facing the challenge of a worldwide pandemic with COVID-19. We look forward to working with you to ensure that exchanges are a positive and enriching experience in the future. A special thanks to our Host Families for your generosity in giving a home to students from around the globe, and welcoming them into your family. We wish to continue this tradition when health conditions allow.

• Develop lifelong leadership skills
• Learn a new language and culture
• Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world

• Become a global citizen
  
  Key reasons to consider Rotary include:
   

• Orientation/training process before you leave
• Activities with Rotary/Rotarians
• Hosted by a Rotary Club and Host Families
• Low Cost / Everyone is a volunteer
   

How long do exchanges last?

Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.  *Leavenworth Rotary only participates in Long-term exchanges

What are the costs?

Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:

• Round-trip airfare
• Travel insurance
• Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
• Spending money and any additional travel or tours

Just think about this...
A Brazilian student makes her first snowman in Finland. A South African masters eating with chopsticks at his Japanese hosts’ home. An Australian becomes part of an extended family in Russia, and a Mexican student in France raises funds to benefit homeless children in Haiti. New experiences, new “families” and friends, and new adventures can await you, too.

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year living with a host family in a country other than your own. You may learn a new language; you will learn a new way of living and a great deal about yourself. But there’s more. While you are busy learning, the people you meet will be learning as well — about your country, culture, and ideas. You will be an ambassador. You will be helping to bring the world closer together, and you’ll be making good friends in the process.

If you are ready for the challenge and the rewards of living in another land as an exchange student, then you are ready to discover new worlds through the Rotary Youth Exchange.

VIEW THIS SHORT VIDEO

How can I apply?

Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities.

Interested to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves? 

Simply complete the contact form below:

 
 

This page updated as of 8/7/2020 by Webmaster and approved by Mary Kostka, Youth Exchange Chair