ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Long-Term and Short-Term Exchange Opportunities
Experience life abroad through Rotary's trusted international exchange program supported by local Rotary clubs, trained volunteers, and host families around the world.
How Exchange Works
Local Rotary Support
Each student is sponsored by a local Rotary Club and supported by trained volunteers, both at home and abroad throughout the exchange experience. Students remain connected to District 5810 leadership during their exchange year.
Local Rotary Support
Experience school, host families, friendships, and daily life abroad
Local Rotary Support
Host families are vetted, orientations are required, and Rotary clubs provide ongoing support and oversight throughout the exchange.
More Than Travel - A Real Cultural Exchange Experience
Rotary Youth Exchange gives students the opportunity to live abroad, attend school, and experience daily life in another culture through a trusted international exchange program sponsored by Rotary International.
Local Rotary Support
Spend a Year Abroad
Spend 10-12 months immersed in another culture by attending high school, living with host families, learning a new language, and becoming part of your local community.
- Academic year abroad
- Attend a local high school
- Live with multiple vetted host families
- Learn a new language through daily immersion
- Monthly spending allowance provided by your host Rotary Club
- Build lifelong friendships around the world
Short-Term Exchange
Experience Summer Exchange
Experience another culture through a 3-6 week reciprocal family exchange. Live with your exchange partner’s family abroad, then welcome them into your own home for an unforgettable cultural experience.
- 3-6 week summer exchange
- Reciprocal family-to-family experience
- Live with a vetted host family
- Share your culture while discovering another
- Build international friendships that often last a lifetime
- Ideal for students exploring exchange for the first time
Eligibility
-Students must be 15-18½ years old at the time of departure.
-Students must currently be enrolled in high school.
-Additional eligibility requirements apply during the application process
APPLICATION PROCESS
A Selective Program Designed for Cultural Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange is a selective program designed for students who demonstrate maturity, flexibility, academic readiness, and interest in cultural exchange.
Students and families participate in interviews, orientations, and preparation meetings throughout the application process before departure. Additional timelines and program details are reviewed during information sessions and orientations.
step 1
Students and families attend an information meeting to learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange.
step 2
SUBMIT APPLICATION
Applications are typically due by early November.
step 3
CLUB & DISTRICT INTERVIEWS
Selected applicants participate in interviews with local Rotary clubs and District 5810 leadership.
step 4
ORIENTATIONS & PREPARATION
Accepted students and families participate in orientations and preparation meetings before departure.
step 5
BEGIN EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE
Students depart for their host country and begin their exchange experience abroad.
WHY ROTARY
A Trusted Global Exchange Program
Rotary is a worldwide network of community leaders dedicated to service and international understanding.
Rotary Youth Exchange has connected students around the world for more than 50 years. Through Youth Exchange, students gain confidence, independence, perspective, maturity, and lifelong global connections through a trusted international program.
- Structured support before and during exchange
- Trusted international network
- Leadership, independence, and lifelong connections
Start Your Exchange Journey
Learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange opportunities through District 5810.
Program costs vary depending on exchange type. Additional information is provided during the application and orientation process.
