New Generations Service Exchange is a short-term, customizable program for university students and professionals up to age 30.
Participants can design exchanges that combine their professional goals with a humanitarian project.
What are the benefits?
- Make connections with service-minded community leaders in another country
- Learn another language
- Build your professional skills and gain international experience
- Travel and explore a new culture while giving back through service
What is an exchange like?
With your host Rotary district, you’ll plan activities that can include networking, relationship building, humanitarian service, professional development, and leadership training. Exchanges:
- Last from a few weeks to six months
- Can be arranged for individuals or groups
- Need not be reciprocal
How much does it cost?
Costs vary by Rotary club or district. To reduce expenses, Rotary members often provide homestay options, arrange no-cost internship or job-shadowing programs, and offer other financial assistance.
Find a Rotary club near you that works with New Generations Service Exchange to find out what it would cost.
How do I apply?
University students and professionals up to age 30 — including current and former Rotaractors and former Interactors, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participants, and Youth Exchange students — are encouraged to apply. You don’t have to be a member of Rotary to participate in an exchange.
Although each Rotary club determines its own eligibility criteria, all participants should demonstrate a strong commitment to service and the ideals of Rotary. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
Younger professionals can work with Rotary members to have unique vocational or community service experience through a New Generations Service Exchange.
How to develop a service exchange program
Rotary clubs can design great programs by matching members’ skills and passions with professionals from different cultures. These steps can help you get started:
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
University students and professionals up to age 30 are encouraged to apply. You don’t have to be a member of Rotary to participate. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
- Organize a group of interested Rotary members in your club or district.
- Find out what skills, interests, and networks your group can offer to create a meaningful exchange.
- Ask young professionals what type of service could improve their professional skills.
- Decide on your goals for the program.
- Craft a program that lasts from a few weeks to six months. It could be one-way or reciprocal, or for individuals or small groups.
- To reduce expenses, consider providing homestay options, arranging no-cost internship or job-shadowing opportunities, and offering other financial assistance.
- Promote your program and find districts to partner in an exchange.
How to emphasize service
A good exchange gives participants an opportunity to learn new skills and put them into action.
- Invite participants to join your community service projects to develop their skills and create new relationships.
- Expand a vocational training program to include international participants, and design ways for them to practice their skills through community service.
- Incorporate an exchange activity into your next global grant project. Invite young professionals from the community to help out and receive training or learn about project management.
- Plan a reciprocal exchange of younger professionals or Rotaract club members as part of an international service project. Ask participants to speak to your club about ways to develop stronger international partnerships.
