Why are Rotary’s student exchange programs better than other programs?

The Rotary International Exchange Program is volunteer-driven.  It is organized and administered by volunteer Rotarians and their families throughout the world within the local Rotary club, the district, and regionally.  Rotary volunteers screen student applicants, select the exchange students, prepare them, and arrange hosting abroad, travel, insurance, school admission, visas, etc.  All of this is done by Rotarians as a service.  They are not paid to provide this service.

Because we depend on volunteers, the Rotary Program is the least expensive, but safest and highest quality program.  Students are provided local supervision by members of the local hosting Rotary club, who are directly involved in the welfare of these students.  Because of this close connection with local Rotarian advisors, students away from home are more comfortable knowing that Rotarians from their host club are available to help and offer guidance.

Students often attend Rotary Club meetings and get to know Rotarians who are generally the local business and professional leaders of that community.  Sometimes these connections benefit students later in life in their academic, business or professional lives.

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