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Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young people ages 15-25 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

New Generations Exchange
  • Ages 18-25
  • Three to six weeks
  • Ideal for recent secondary school graduates
  • Can include homestays, tours, camps, or specialized internships
Read more in the short-term Youth Exchange brochure (PDF).

 

Long-term exchange
  • Ages 15-18
  • One year
  • Involves living with a few host families and attending a local school
Read more in the long-term Youth Exchange brochure (PDF).  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$50-100 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