Program Overview and FAQ
It is time to begin your Application for the academic year 2025/26!
Long Term Exchanges, apply HERE
Application Deadline: December 31st
It is time to begin your Application for the summer of 2025!
Short Term Exchanges, apply HERE
Application Deadline: February 1st
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Why Rotary Youth Exchange?
For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. 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. Rotary Youth Exchange Students are known throughout the world as Global Ambassadors for their home country that can offer so many opportunities beyond the year spent abroad.
Globally minded
Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.
A Commitment to Youth
Rotary maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Besides Youth Exchange, Rotary clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Interact, and Rotaract, youth development programs such as RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.
Low costs
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.
FAQ
How do I qualify?
There is a two-tier application process to apply for a Rotary Youth Exchange program. Fundamentally, you must be
- An above-average student who has demonstrated leadership skills in your community
- Open to new experiences and cultural differences
- Sponsored by a local Rotary club
How much will it cost?
Youth Exchange is coordinated at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Costs can vary from one area to another and one country to another. Typically, participants 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 unanticipated expenses
- Ancillary travel and tours
Sharing in the costs are host families (who pay for room and board), the host community (who cover school tuition and arrangements), and the host Rotary club (which provides a small stipend of about US$100 monthly and other support). The Rotary Youth Exchange program is valued at more than $25,000 in most countries. Because students receive the benefit of that value, successful students are considered recipients of a Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship.
What are my responsibilities?
As a Youth Exchange student, you 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
- Assist with the program after returning home
Where will my exchange be?
Exchanges can take place in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Please note, however, that the countries you visit depend on the exchanges that are available for that year. District 5050 has recently exchanged with Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Norway, Sweden Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Taiwan, Korea and Japan, and others are possible. Contact your local club or district for more information. Locate the club nearest to you here.
Youth Exchange is administered by Rotary clubs and districts. Contact Rotarians in your area to apply or send us a message below.