You can bring the world closer by sponsoring an exchange student.
Give students the ability to expand their boundaries
Hosting exchange students demonstrates a Rotary club’s commitment to International Service and is also rewarding and fun for members. As a participating club, you will also have an impact on helping a young person experience a safe way to open their minds by experiencing a new culture.
Whether your club determines to sponsor students participating in the long-term program or short-term program, you should designate a Youth Exchange Officer for your club.
The Long-term Program
Outbound responsibilities
- Visit local high schools and/or local community organizations in early fall to promote the Rotary exchange program and recruit prospective students. The children of club members also represent an opportunity to recruit prospective students.
- Meet with interested students and their families and conduct interviews.
- Invite outbound students to one or more Rotary meetings prior to leaving and upon their return.
Inbound responsibilities
- Find host families. Families can be either Rotarians or community members.
- Coordinate inbound student enrollment in school.
- Designate a club member to serve as the inbound student’s counselor. This individual can be the exchange officer.
- Invite inbound student to participate in club meetings (including providing transportation to and from meetings), service projects and social events.
- Provide the student a designated monthly allowance. This is required for long-term exchange students and is paid directly to students in accordance with the U.S. State Department.
- Pay additional hosting costs as determined by your District Youth Exchange committee.
The Short-term Program
- Find students and families who wish to participate in a one-to-one summer exchange.
- Interview students and parents.
- Invite both the outbound and inbound students to participate in meetings.

Ready to Get Started?
Contact your District Youth Exchange Chair.

Volunteer Application
Apply to become a Youth Exchange volunteer.