Youth Exchange
- Provides young people with the opportunity to experience cultures other than their own
- Gives participants a broader view of the world and a deeper understanding of themselves
- Develops leadership and communication skills in youth
- Advances international understanding and world peace
» What is Rotary?
» How do I qualify?
» How much will it cost?
» What will I do on my exchange?
» What are my responsibilities?
» Where will my exchange be?
» What is the duration?
» How do I apply?
» What do past exchange students have to say?
» Read about exchange student Ms. Nupur Agrawal’s experiences
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary clubs carry out service projects that address critical issues such as poverty, hunger, illiteracy, substance abuse, and pollution. Service to youth is a major emphasis among Rotarians. Working with and for tomorrow’s leaders, Rotary clubs sponsor service clubs for youth and young adults and offer career development and mentoring programs.Rotary Youth Exchange is administered by Rotary clubs and districts. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs worldwide, creating an extensive network of volunteers to provide the necessary support for the program.
How do I qualify?
Rotary Youth Exchange programs are open to students ages 15-19. To qualify, applicants should be above-average students who have demonstrated leadership in their community.
Candidates should also possess qualities such as flexibility and a willingness to try new things that will enable them to fully experience life in another country and become excellent cultural ambassadors. All applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and complete a written application and in-person interview.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary from one Rotary district to another. Typically, students and their parents or guardians are expected to cover the following expenses:
- Round-trip airfare
- Health and accident insurance that meets the requirements of the host club and district
- All travel documents, such as passports and visas
- Clothing and spending money
- An emergency fund for unexpected expenses during the year
- Ancillary travel and tours
What will I do on my exchange?
During your exchange, you’ll live with a host family and attend school. To gain a greater understanding of your host country’s culture, you will live with at least two, preferably three, host families during your stay. The host Rotary club will conscientiously screen and select your host families. You will make friends and get to know the area where you’re living.
What are my responsibilities?
As a Youth Exchange student, you agree to
- Act as an ambassador of your own country
- Be open to new experiences and cultural differences
- Abide by all program rules of your host Rotary club and district
- Accept the supervision of the host district, host club, and host family
- Ask questions of your host family and Rotarian hosts and be an active participant in your exchange
Where will my exchange be?
Youth Exchanges take place in nearly all of the 200 countries and geographical areas where Rotary clubs exist. Contact your local Rotary club for more information on where its program operates and whether you may request a specific country. Wherever you go, you’ll discover that the world is smaller than you once thought and that you can gain a great deal from the unique experience of being a Rotary Youth Exchange participant.
What is the duration?
Long-term exchanges are for the duration of one academic year. Your host Rotary club arranges for your education and enrolment and related costs.
Short-term cultural exchanges are for 4 to 6 weeks and aim to foster better cultural understanding and a broader world-view.
How do I apply?
Download the application package for 2010-11.
You have to apply through your local Rotary club.
Contact your local Rotary club for details. Or write to vikram@acesoftex.com
What do past exchange students have to say?
“This has been the greatest and most humbling adventure of my life. It seems the future holds many possibilities. I hope that I am able to have a future filled with as much growth and experience as I have experienced the last few years. Through this, I have solid proof that you can change the world, so long as you have a heart without fears, a mind without walls, and a dream big enough to be shared!”
- South African exchange student to Japan
“I learned to survive on my own, to make friendships everywhere, accept every invitation as a chance to learn more, and adapt to a new culture completely different from mine.”
- Australian exchange student to Brazil
|
