Long-Term Orientation


Getting Ready to Go

Once accepted by your Rotary District Committee, you will be required to attend
several full-day or weekend orientation sessions. Our objective is to be sure you
are ready to go abroad. Experienced Rotary personnel and former American exchange
students will help you acquire the skills and attitudes you will need to adjust to living
abroad. During these orientations you will meet the other USA outbound students
from your district and the current foreign inbound students who will advise you on
adjusting to new families and schools.


Meeting Other Exchange Students

On occasion, several of the 31 Rotary districts which are part of ESSEX may combine
into a larger orientation session where you will meet up to 25 or more exchange
students. One of them may be from the country where you are going! Additionally,
you are welcome to contact former exchange students who have agreed to make
their names and contact information available on the internet. Click here for an
unofficial directory of former Rotary exchange students who are willing to discuss
their exchange experiences with you.


Learning the Language

Rotary has also arranged with several private organizations to help you learn or
polish your foreign language skills. For example, accepted Rotary exchange students
are eligible for substantial discounts on Belitz language school programs. Your local
district may also be able to help you obtain other language resources, like language
tapes, at substantially reduced prices.


For More Information

An unofficial online message forum is also available for exchange students to
post and respond to the concerns, questions and comments.

An unofficial booklist of exchange-related books is also available.

For more information, call 1-888-ROTARY-X.

> Rules and Conditions of Long-Term Exchange
> Long-Term Travel Arrangements
> Long-Term Medical Insurance
> Countries with Special Requirements