Rotary Youth Exchange

Posted by Anthony Maccarini 
 
The Carmel Rotary Club has been actively involved in the Youth Exchange program for many years, sponsoring both incoming and outgoing students. The club has hosted students from various Scandinavian countries, France, Venezuela, Brazil, Germany, Thailand, and Austria, among others. We have sent students to Japan, Brazil, and Norway, among others.
 

The club is currently hosting Anna Niskanen, a student from Finland who is residing with William and Nancy McCormack, whose own daughter is now an exchange student in Switzerland.

We are always seeking host families and prospective outbound students. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested, please contact Tony Maccarini directly at 914-419-3231 or by e-mail at amaccarini@comcast.net

The Rotary 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 communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process. It is an exchange program for secondary school students. Students travel to other countries to learn about the culture and the language as well as act as a cultural ambassador for their own country.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. The first exchanges began in 1927 involving only European students. Exchanges between California and latin American countries started in 1939. Activities spread to the Eastern United States in 1958. The Youth Exchange became an official program of RI in 1972. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Ninety-five percent of all Rotary districts participate in the Youth Exchange program. Thirty percent of Youth Exchange students are children from Rotary families.

Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.

Rotary is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in its programs, including Youth Exchange.

Rotary club volunteers administer the program at the local level, which helps keep costs low for students and their families. These volunteers often offer years of experience with students, host families, and fellow Rotarians who are involved in the program.

Qualifications:

  • Above-average student, between the ages of 15 and 19, with demonstrated leadership in the community
  • Open to new experiences and cultural differences
  • Sponsored by a local Rotary club
  • Completed written application and in-person interview
  • Socially ready to handle living abroad for an extended period.

Youth Exchange is coordinated at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Costs vary greatly from one area to another. Typically, students and their parents cover the following expenses:

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Health and accident insurance
  • Travel documents
  • Clothing and other necessities
  • Spending money
  • Emergency funds for unpredicted expenses
  • Ancillary travel and tours

In most clubs and districts, students do not pay placement fees, so those with financial constraints can share the exchange experience.

Sharing in the costs are host families (who pay for room and board), the host community (who cover school tuition and arrangements) and host Rotary club (who offer a small stipend of usually US$50-100 monthly.)

As a Youth Exchange student, students agree to

  • Act as an ambassador for your home country
  • Abide by all program rules of your host Rotary club and district
  • Accept the supervision of the host family, club, and district
  • Ask questions of your host family and local Rotarians
  • Be an active participant in your exchange

Exchanges can take place in more than 150 countries and geographical areas.

Youth Exchange is administered by Rotary clubs and districts.

Host families

By hosting a Youth Exchange student in your home, you'll make a young person's dream come true, and you and your family will share an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.

As a host family, you will

  • Provide room and board
  • Supervise the student just as you would your own children
  • Involve the student in family activities and chores
  • Enrich the exchange experience by including the student in family, community, and cultural activities

Host families aren't compensated financially. The program is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, which helps keep costs low.