Short Term Exchange Program (STEP)

The Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) is a unique short-term exchange program that facilitates family-to-family exchanges. In this program, a STEP student is matched with another student from a different country. They live together with one student's family for the first half of their exchange, then switch to reside with the other student's family for the remainder of the experience. The duration of STEP exchanges can vary, lasting from several days to several months. While most exchanges take place during the summer, they can occur at any time throughout the year. 

To ensure a successful short-term exchange program, it's vital to match students and families effectively. Therefore, applicants for STEP must agree to participate in an exchange wherever Rotary can find a suitable match. For students interested in traveling to South America, hosting a student is often necessary between mid-November and mid-January. For more details, you can reach out to the District’s STEP Coordinator.

You must be aged 15 to 19 years, and unlike the Long Term Program, if you are interested in the short-term exchange program, you are permitted to have graduated from high school.

The initial interview with the Club for the short-term exchange program will be held in February-March. If initially accepted, the student will then complete the specialized online STEP application, and the family will begin undergoing the Host Family vetting process. All requested application materials must be submitted to the District STEP Coordinator no later than December 31st. An orientation is held for students and parents in January. You should expect to be matched with your family by May at the latest.

Travel arrangements for the short-term exchange program are the sole responsibility of the families involved, and it is preferable that these arrangements be made through a Travel Agency (We recommend two, links on the left sidebar).

If accepted into the short-term exchange program, there is an administrative fee payable to the District Committee which covers administration and training costs. This program is fully funded by the student and their parents. We estimate costs of approximately $1,900-3,000 USD, $ 2,500-$4,000 CAN most of which is for flights and insurance, so cost is mostly by your county choice and flight dates.

District 5050 will work with you to find a suitable country and family for your short-term exchange program. Let us know what your interests are. If you apply early enough, we may be able to arrange it! In the past, we have facilitated exchanges with countries like France, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, and more!

The first step to participate in the short-term exchange program is to apply with a local Rotary club, as all applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and district. You will be asked to complete a preliminary application. Your District STEP Coordinator and local club will help guide you through the application and interview process. Rotary Clubs will select students from the applications for an interview. If selected to participate in the short-term exchange program, the student will then complete the specialized online STEP application, and the family will begin undergoing the Host Family vetting process.