Discover A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

How our Exchange works

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend one year living in another country, usually with three or four host families. You will become part of those families and their community. These Rotary families are volunteers who will welcome and care for you, supervise your year and introduce you to their culture and lifestyle.

In your host country you may learn another language, experience cuisines, study different subjects, enjoy a new culture and discover another way of living. In addition you
will learn a great deal about yourself and gain confidence
and self-sufficiency.

You will attend school in your local community, as well as participating in Rotary activities and civic functions. At the same time you will make new friends, see exciting places
and experience adventures that will take a lifetime to recount.

Selection Process

An application of interest should be made to your local
Rotary Club.
The club will interview interested students and selected candidates ill be presented to the District Committee.
This committee’s role is to select exchangees. Final selection is dependent on a District interview and a weekend Briefing Seminar.

Successful applicants are on their way!

The final country of destination is decided by the committee
in consultation with the students and depending on the availability of exchange in the preferred locality. Further seminars, home visits and briefing weekends are all part of the continuing Rotary involvement in your preparations.
Your family is also involved all the way and during your
year’s exchange they will be provided with continuing
support and information.

The Youth Exchange Package

• Return ticket / airfare and visa
• Twelve months’ accommodation
• School fees
• Monthly allowance
• Travel and health insurance
• Orientation weekends, home visits, briefing days
• Blazer, name badges and business cards

Costs

The Youth Exchange Package costs approx. $5,000 for the full 12 month program. You will, of course, be responsible for your own personal expenses such as clothing, toiletries, gifts etc.

Who is eligible?

Students between the age of 15 and 16 (under 17 at time of departure and students not having completed VCE, Year 12). We look for maturity, a positive focus and strength of character. The ability to interact and communicate, to participate in community activities and to adapt to changing situations is also an asset.
A solid academic record is preferable.

• Exchanges to Japan, France, Germany, Norway, Thailand, Brazil, Belgium Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Philippines.
• Home hosted by Rotary approved familes.
• Full academic year of schooling in the host country.
• Administered at the club level with the support of the
Rotary International network.
• Individual counsellor both here and in the host country.
• Back-up and counselling for the family of the
exchange student.