Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.

Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.

What are the benefits?

Exchange students unlock their true potential to:

• Develop lifelong leadership skills
• Learn a new language and culture
• Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
• Become a global citizen

How long do exchanges last?

Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.

Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.

What are the costs?

Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:

• Round-trip airfare
• Travel insurance
• Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
• Spending money and any additional travel or tours

How can I apply?

Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.

Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report

Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.

Read the latest about how Rotary Youth Exchange is a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary.

• 

  What the program offers to and asks of participants — an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living — are the same values that define Rotary itself.

  The following stories reveal how Rotary Youth Exchange continues to change lives.

• 

  “The thing that surprised me most was how different my host families were from each other, yet how welcoming and loving they all were.”

  Ava Minocherhomji, former Youth Exchange student from India

• 

  “To meet up with my classmates and host families after 50 years has been simply amazing. Through Rotary Youth Exchange I had such a precious chance and a fabulous experience. Thank you.”

  Yoko Sekimoto, the first Youth Exchange student from Japan

Already involved in Youth Exchange?

Find tips and ideas for your club.