Qualifications for Long-Term Exchange Students

Through many years of experience, we have found the following general qualifications useful:

• Above average academic standing.  Students do not have to be at the top of their class, but we do find that students who are in the upper third of their class have a better exchange experience.

• Students should be good ambassadors for their town, for Rotary, and for their country.  During their year abroad, they may be called upon to address many groups.  They should possess a pleasant personality and have the ability to communicate with other people and to express themselves clearly.

• Students should possess well-rounded personalities with an ability to think through their problems and the stresses of living in a foreign environment.

• Students should have an inquiring mind and be actively interested in their own environment, in the world in general and in world problems.

• Students should be active in their community through sports, hobbies, youth activities or church affairs.  Successful students invariably are those who lead busy, active lives in their communities.

• Students should be well-adjusted, particularly in their family relationships.

• Must be between 15 and 19 years old at the time of departure.  Students younger than 16 or older than 18 ½ will have a more narrow list of countries to which they can exchange due to age restrictions.  Rotary encourages students to take their junior, and sometimes sophomore, year abroad.  In this way, they return to their American high school for at least one year before graduating. However, seniors may apply, participate in the program, and defer college one year while they complete the exchange year.

• May be from a Rotarian or non-Rotarian family.

• 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.