Rotary Youth Exchange

1. Spending time abroad as an exchange student is one of the most unique opportunities available to you
2. Rotary will give you the opportunity to have an experience that will be with you for the rest of your life
3. If you are selected to participate, your year abroad will encompass different phases that will give you opportunities to grow in new ways and experience new cultures and new ideas
4. The purpose the program is to provide secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 18 with the opportunity to travel abroad, live with host families, and experience life first hand in a different country, school and social environment
5. Exchange students will gain lifelong advantage through an expanded world view and a greater appreciation of the world

How to apply...a life-changing experience awaits you!

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start planning early: The Rotary Youth Exchange program is highly selective, so start planning as soon as possible.  For example, if you wish to travel when you are in 11th grade, you should apply in September of your 10th grade year.  The reason for the early deadlines?  Most sponsor Rotary clubs and districts have an extensive selection and orientation process, which help us identify the best candidates and prepare them well for their time as youth exchange students.
2. Contact Rotarians in your area: Youth Exchange is administered locally.  Chances are, Rotary clubs near you are involved in the program.  There are about 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.  Our club, the Rotary Club of Sherwood Park, Alberta, can be contacted through our Outbound Councillor, John Vrolijk at 780-905-5599.  Through our club and district you will be able to choose from over 20 countries.  We send exchange students to countries such as Brazil, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Taiwan, Japan and others.
3. Fill out an application:  After you've gotten in touch with your local Rotary club or district Youth Exchange chair, Rotarians from your area will supply a preliminary application for you to fill out.  If that application is accepted, exchange student candidates usually complete a full application, go through a series of interviews, and occasionally take a test.  Your district chair and local Rotary club will help guide you through the application and interview process.