The Exchange Programs
Long-Term and Short-Term Exchanges
Rotary has both long-term and short-term exchange programs. The first
is for the full academic year while the latter is usually during summer
vacation. Students for either exchange are selected by a sponsoring Rotary
Club on the basis of a written application and personal interview.
Requirements
• Must be between 15 and 18 1/2 years old at the time of departure
• Above average academic achievement
• Outgoing and adventuresome
• Flexible and open to living in a different culture
Youth Exchange is open to the children of Rotarians as well as those of
non-Rotarians.
Youth Exchange is open to the children of Rotarians as well as those
of non-Rotarians. When students return, they will be asked to share their
experiences with family, friends, Rotary Clubs, their school and community
so that other young people can learn about Youth Exchange and our global
neighbors.
Long-Term Exchange
Students spend a full academic year with one to four host families beginning
in late summer. Host parents provide room and meals as well as support
and guidance. The host Rotary Club provides a limited monthly spending
allowance, a counselor, and supervision.
Although parents should be prepared
to cover travel, health insurance and a few other costs for the outbound
student, Rotary arranges travel and assists with visa arrangements. In
some cases scholarships may be available to help defray exchange costs.
Talk to your local Rotary Club about your individual situation.
More Information >>
See section Just for Parents for
more information on costs.
Short-Term Exchange
In a Summer Cultural Exchange, students spend three to eight weeks in
their host
country visiting with another family and seeing another part
of the world. Exchange
variations including reciprocal hosting and hosting
only are available. Each one provides
an excellent opportunity to experience
a new culture in a brief period of time.
Like the long-term exchange, the short-term exchange requires a sponsoring
Rotary
Club in each country, and students are selected on the basis of
a written application
and interview process.
More Information >>
The Interview Process
Applications should be sent to your local Rotary Club. If the club decides
that your
application matches their opportunities, you will be interviewed
by the local club in
the fall and your application sent on to the Rotary
District Youth Exchange Committee
for a second round of interviews. Final
selection is made by the Rotary District and
usually occurs in the winter.
Mailings and orientation during the spring help prepare
students and parents
for both outbound and inbound experiences. Students participating
in the
academic year exchange usually leave for their overseas adventure in
mid- to late
summer and return at the end of the academic year.
Short-term exchange students may undergo a somewhat less stringent interview
process during the winter or spring prior to departure.
More Information
For more information, email us your name, address, telephone number and a brief message. We cannot respond to information requests or other inquiries for areas outside of the ESSEX region. Alternatively, fill in the form below. Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
