Welcome to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program!

To participate in the Long-Term Exchange Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Typically between 15 and 18 years old at the start of the exchange.
• Academic/Extracurricular: Good academic performance is preferred. More important is leadership qualities, service experience, and extra involvement.
• Language Skills: Basic proficiency in the host country’s language is beneficial.
• Commitment: Willingness to adapt to a new culture and participate actively in the exchange.

Rotary has a world wide network of clubs, there fore we can offer this exclusive cultural experience on nearly every continent.  We ask you to rank your choices from a list of over 20 countries.  We will discuss with you your selections and work toward the best fit for you.

Here is a list of countries we have exchanged with in the past few years:

France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Denmark, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Paruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Australia, Japan

 Application Timeline:

• Applications are open now for the 2025-26 exchange year and close on December 31st, 2024.
• Interested students should begin contacting their local Rotary club and gathering necessary documents during this time.

Interviews/Selection:

•  Students are initially interviewed by members of a sponsoring local Rotary club.
  • Information session and interview usually held in late September or early October
  • Interview involves the student and may involve their parents
• Students are usually notified by January 15th whether they have been nominated by their club to advance to the next level of interviews.
• If nominated, the student moves to the next level of the selection process by completing an online application that is submitted to the District’s Rotary Youth Exchange Committee.
  • The online application is due prior to the District interviews.
• Students who are accepted into the program are typically notified of their provisional acceptance before January 31st. 
  • Full acceptance occurs after the district has been able to locate a successful match for the student.  This generally occurs between February 1st and March 1st. 

Orientation:

• Selected students will attend multiple orientation sessions in late spring and early summer to prepare for their upcoming exchange. These sessions cover cultural adaptation, safety, and program expectations.

Departure:

• Students generally depart for their host countries in mid-late August, usually aligning with the academic calendar of their new schools.

Duration:

• The exchange lasts for approximately 10-11 months, during which students will attend school and engage in cultural activities.

The program is completely administered by Rotary volunteers, keeping program expenses low. Our program can be one-third of the cost of commercial study abroad programs.

Rotary clubs in the host country are responsible for school tuition, accommodation and food, and a modest monthly allowance (generally around $100/month).   

Typically, the cost to each student is between $7,000-$9,000 USD.  Payment Plans Available

This cost includes:

• Round-trip airfare
• Travel insurance that includes medical, accident, and illness coverage and meets the requirements of the host and sponsor clubs and districts.
• Costs to obtain your study visa, including consulate visits.  
• Language camp (in some host countries) or other cultural orientation sessions
• Language Learning Modules for your country choice
• Extensive Orientations and training for the students and parents
• A Peace Ambassador Hoodie and other goodies for your exchange

What is not included:

• Spending money (over and above the monthly allowance provided by the host Rotary club), ancillary travel, and tours
• Emergency fund for unexpected expenses during the year (refunded if not used)
• Optional tours

The program is completely administered by Rotary volunteers, keeping program expenses low. Our program can be only one-third of the cost of commercial study abroad programs.

We do offer additional scholarships for those students whose families financial position requires some assistance.  Please do not let a concern for cost discourage you from applying.  Please be upfront with your local Rotary club that you will need financial support to make your dream come true.  Rotarians are people of action, and will help you acheive your goals.