Rotary Youth Exchange

Why 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. 

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, Rotaract, and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.

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

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.

“What a wonderful opportunity I was given, from both the Rotary club and my family, to spread my wings, taste the culture, and live the life.”
– U.S. exchange student to Australia

How it works

Programs

Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young people ages 15-19 worldwide. There are two basic types of exchanges: short-term and long-term.

Short-term exchange

General short-term exchange

• Ages 15-19
• Several days to several weeks long
• Don’t involve attending high school, but students can tailor their experience to match their interests
• Can include homestays, tours, and international youth camps

Long-term exchange

• Ages 15-19
• One year (10 to 11 months)
• Involves living with a few host families (typically 3) and attending a local school

Students

How do I qualify?

• Above-average student 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

 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 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$75-100 monthly.)

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

Where will my exchange be?

Exchanges can take place in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. We make every effort, however, to place the students in one of their countries of choice

 I’m interested. How do I apply?

Youth Exchange is administered by Rotary clubs and districts.  District 6060 covers the eastern third of Missouri.  District 6060 is a member of South Central Rotary Youth Exchange.  For a Youth Exchange application, go to:

 http://scrye.org/youth-exchange/index.php/rotary/abroad/welcome/

and click on the Downloads Section.  First, complete and return 4 originals of the application to your local Rotary Club Youth Exchange Officer.  Identify your local Rotary Club through the Our Clubs link at the top of the page.  The local Rotary Club does a preliminary review of the application and then forwards it to the District Youth Exchange Committee.  The Outbound Coordinator for Rotary District 6060 is: Greg Luzecky, who may be reached at 314-821-8686 or rye6060gregl@gmail.com.  After the preliminary review by the local Rotary Club, the completed application, with the endorsement of the Rotary Club President,  should then be forwarded to Greg Luzecky at 10805 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO  63127.

The priority deadline for applications is November 1. Applications will continue to be accepted after that date, but may be subject to time and availability limitations. 

After the District Interview is conducted, the applicant will be notified in January as to acceptance into the Youth Exchange Program.  The applicant will then be required to attend three mandatory orientation sessions, typically the third Saturdays of February and March and the District Conference later on in the Spring.

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.

 More information:

• If you’re interested in hosting a Youth Exchange student, read A Primer for Host Families (PDF), which details student and host family responsibilities, Rotary’s role, and frequently asked questions. Go to South Central Rotary Youth Exchange at:

http://scrye.org/youth-exchange/index.php/rotary/abroad/welcome/

for more information and for a Host Family Application.. 

Rotarians

Dedicated Rotarian volunteers have kept Youth Exchange vital for decades. Rotarians work behind the scenes to handle the logistics of each exchange. For long-term exchanges, the host club and district arranges school enrollment, tuition, and other educational matters.

Youth Exchange officers are the program’s leaders. Elected at the club and district levels, these volunteers are trained to serve as liaisons between students and the district Youth Exchange committee.

Rotarian roles and responsibilities

Dedicated Rotarian volunteers have helped build Rotary Youth Exchange into the world-renowned program that it is today.

They work behind the scenes, taking care of the logistics that make the exchanges happen. Local Rotarians introduce students to other club members and organize social and cultural functions for them to attend. For long-term exchanges, host clubs and districts arrange secondary school enrollment, tuition, and other educational matters, and Rotarian counselors maintain contact with host families and students.

Though RI offers support to local Youth Exchange programs, clubs and districts run their exchanges independently of RI. Therefore, each program has its own rules for participants to follow.

All Youth Exchange volunteers are devoted to the safety of students, and host clubs and districts maintain policies and procedures to protect them.