Qualifications for Long-Term Exchange Students

Through many years of experience, we have found the following general qualifications useful:

• Above average academic standing. Students do not have to be at the top of their class, but we do find that students who are in the upper third of their class have a better exchange experience.

• Students should be good ambassadors for their town, for Rotary, and for their country. During their year abroad, they may be called upon to address. many groups. They should possess a pleasant personality and have the ability to communicate with other people and to express themselves clearly.

• Students should possess well-rounded personalities with an ability to think through their problems and the stresses of living in a foreign environment.

• Students should have an inquiring mind and be actively interested in their own environment, in the world in general and in world problems.

• Students should be active in their community through sports, hobbies, youth activities or church affairs. Successful students invariably are those who lead busy, active lives in their communities.

• Students should be well-adjusted, particularly in their family relationships. Students who do not get along in their own families may find it difficult to adjust to family situations in a foreign environment. The best students invariably come from happy homes where the parents are 100% in support of the student’s participation in the program.

• Students should not be older than 18 1⁄2 years old when they depart in July or August. Rotary encourages students to take their sophomore or junior year abroad. In this way, they return to their American high school for at least one year before graduating. However, seniors may apply, participate in the program, and defer college one year while they complete the exchange year.


> Responsibilities of Outbound Long-Term Exchange Students
> Long-Term Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
> How To Apply for Long-Term Exchange