Rotary Exchange Programs

Long-Term and Short-Term Exchanges

Rotary has both long-term and short-term exchange programs. The first is for the full academic year while the latter is usually during summer vacation.  Students for either exchange are selected by a sponsoring Rotary Club on the basis of a written application and personal interview.

• Must be between 15 and 19 years old at the time of departure
• Average or above academic achievement
• Outgoing and adventuresome
• Flexible and open to living in a different culture

Youth Exchange is open to the children of Rotarians as well as those of non-Rotarians.

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.

Students spend a full academic year with two or more host families beginning in late summer. Host parents provide room and meals as well as support and guidance.  The host Rotary Club provides a limited monthly spending allowance, a counselor, and supervision.

The program cost covers travel, health insurance and a few other expenses for the outbound student.  In some cases scholarships may be available to help defray exchange costs.  Talk to your local Rotary Club or a local representative of the Rotary youth exchange program, find a District Youth Exchange Officer here, about your individual situation.

In a Summer Cultural Exchange, students spend three to six weeks in their host country visiting with another family and seeing another part of the world.  In the Short-term Exchange Program the student’s family hosts a matching student from another country.  This program provides an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture in a brief period of time.  Like the long-term exchange, the short-term exchange requires a sponsoring Rotary Club in each country, and students are selected on the basis of a written application and interview process.

You should contact your local Rotary Club for details on how to apply.  If the club decides that your application matches their opportunities, you will be interviewed by the local club and, if approved, your application will be sent on to the Rotary District Youth Exchange Committee for a second round of interviews.  Final selection is made by the Rotary District.  Orientation sessions during the months prior to departure help prepare students and parents for both outbound and inbound experiences.

Students participating in the academic year exchange usually leave for their overseas adventure in mid- to late summer and return at the end of the academic year.  Short-term exchange students may undergo a somewhat less stringent interview process.

For further information, please contact your local Rotary club, you should:

1. explore the information on this website
2. contact a Rotarian in your community
3. email or call a local representative of the Rotary youth exchange program (click here to find your rotary district),
4. complete an inquiry form, or
5. email

Your high school counselor may be able to help you make contact with your local Rotary club if needed.