FAQS

Short Term

Long Term

Host Families

SHORT TERM EXCHANGE

What is the Short-Term Summer program?

The Short-Term Summer Program is a cultural exchange that gives students the opportunity to experience life in another country while sharing their own culture with a host family. It’s an excellent option for students who want to explore Rotary Youth Exchange during the summer without committing to a full academic year abroad.

The program is based on a family-to-family exchange. Students typically spend 3–4 weeks living with a host family overseas, where they are paired with a student of a similar age. They then return to the United States, and their host sibling comes to live with their family for a similar period of time.

Unlike the Long-Term Program, the Short-Term Summer Program does not include school attendance. Instead, students learn through everyday life, cultural experiences, language immersion, family activities, and community involvement.

Whether you’re looking for your first international experience or a shorter exchange before considering the Long-Term Program, the Short-Term Summer Program is a rewarding way to build confidence, broaden your perspective, and create lifelong friendships.

The Short-Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program is open to high school students and recent high school graduates. Participants must be between the ages of 15 and 19 at the time of departure. Students who are younger than 16 or older than 18½ may have fewer country options due to the age requirements of some Rotary districts.

The program is open to both children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

Successful exchange students are typically:

  • Open-minded and adaptable
  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Self-confident and responsible
  • Curious about other cultures
  • Willing to step outside their comfort zone

The total cost of the Short-Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program is $500.

The payment schedule is as follows:

  • $100 non-refundable application fee, due when you submit your application.
  • $100 non-refundable interview and evaluation fee, due at the time of your interview.

The remaining $300 is due in January upon acceptance into the program.

The program fee includes the application process and required orientation meetings.

The fee does not include:

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport and visa fees (if required)
  • Personal spending money
  • Optional travel or sightseeing expenses

Students are responsible for their own travel and personal expenses, while host families provide housing, meals, and an authentic family experience during the exchange

long TERM EXCHANGE

What is the Long-Term Program?

The Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program offers students the opportunity to spend an academic year living in another country, attending high school, learning a new language, and becoming fully immersed in a different culture. It is a life-changing experience that builds confidence, independence, and lifelong international friendships.

During the exchange, students attend a local high school and live with two or three carefully selected host families. Living with multiple families allows students to experience different perspectives, traditions, and lifestyles while becoming part of each family’s everyday life.

While academic credit is determined by the student’s home school, colleges and universities often recognize the personal growth, cultural awareness, language skills, and independence gained through an international exchange experience.

A year abroad requires maturity, adaptability, and an open mind, but for students who are ready for the challenge, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

The Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program is open to high school students and recent high school graduates. Participants must be between the ages of 15 and 19 at the time of departure. Students who are younger than 16 or older than 18½ may have fewer country options due to the age requirements of some Rotary districts.

The program is open to both children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

Successful exchange students are typically:

  • Open-minded and adaptable
  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Self-confident and responsible
  • Curious about other cultures
  • Willing to learn a new language
  • Motivated to succeed academically
  • Willing to step outside their comfort zone

Student safety is Rotary’s highest priority. Throughout the exchange, students are supported by their host families, local Rotary Club, Rotary Counselor, District Youth Exchange Committee, and Rotary International.

If a concern or problem arises, students have multiple trusted adults and clear reporting channels available to help resolve the situation quickly and appropriately.

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. All volunteers who work with youth are expected to uphold Rotary’s Youth Protection policies and help safeguard the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every exchange student.

A Rotary Youth Exchange is much more than a trip abroad, it’s an experience that helps students grow academically, personally, and culturally.

During the exchange, students develop:

  • Independence and self-confidence
  • Leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Fluency or proficiency in another language
  • Greater cultural awareness and adaptability
  • Lifelong friendships with people from around the world

Living in another country challenges students to step outside their comfort zone, navigate new situations, and see the world from a different perspective. These experiences often shape their future education, careers, and personal lives.

Many colleges and employers recognize international exchange as evidence of maturity, initiative, adaptability, and global awareness—qualities that can help students stand out in both college admissions and future career opportunities.

Rotary Youth Exchange is unique because it is a volunteer-driven program. Unlike many commercial exchange organizations, Rotary is administered by dedicated volunteers who are committed to helping students have a safe, successful, and meaningful exchange experience—not by paid staff whose primary role is to run a business.

Throughout the exchange, students are supported by their local Rotary Club, Rotary Counselor, host families, and District Youth Exchange Committee. This network of caring volunteers provides guidance, encouragement, and assistance whenever it’s needed.

Because Rotary is a nonprofit organization powered by volunteers, the program is also one of the most affordable international exchange opportunities available while maintaining high standards for student support and safety.

In addition to living with host families and attending school, students become part of the Rotary community. They often attend Rotary meetings, participate in service projects, and build relationships with community leaders and professionals—connections that can continue long after the exchange has ended.

Rotary Youth Exchange is a partnership between Rotary districts around the world. Students from our community travel abroad while students from other countries come here to experience life in the United States.

Many outbound families choose to host an inbound exchange student while their own student is abroad. Hosting gives families the opportunity to experience another culture firsthand and often helps them better understand what their son or daughter is experiencing overseas. Parents frequently tell us that welcoming an exchange student into their home helps them stay connected to the program and makes the exchange experience even more meaningful for the entire family.

Because Long-Term students typically live with two or three host families during their exchange, we ask each outbound student and their family to help identify three potential host families within their community. All host families must live within the same school district so the student can remain at the same high school throughout the exchange year.

While hosting is not a requirement for participation, we strongly encourage families to consider it. Many find that hosting while their own student is abroad, creates a true exchange experience for the entire family and often leads to lifelong friendships.

For the 2027-2028 Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program, families can choose between two program options:

$5,000 Program Option

The $5,000 option includes:

  • Required Rotary Youth Exchange insurance
  • Required orientation meetings and training
  • One weekend orientation camp
  • Rotary blazer
  • Orientation materials
  • Business cards
  • Rotary pins for trading
  • Rotary Youth Exchange support throughout the exchange

 

With this option, the family purchases the student’s round trip airfare separately, following Rotary Youth Exchange travel requirements.

The $8,000 Travel-Inclusive Option

The $8,000 travel-inclusive option includes everything in the $5,000 program option, plus the student’s round-trip airfare arranged through a travel agency that specializes in Rotary Youth Exchange travel.

The travel agency will help coordinate flights according to Youth Exchange requirements and provide guidance with the visa process, required travel documents, baggage information, and other international travel details.

Both options also include the benefits of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program:

  • Placement with screened host families
  • Enrollment and attendance at a local high school in the host country
  • A local Rotary host club and Youth Exchange support team
  • A monthly allowance from the host Rotary club
  • Room and meals provided by host families

 

The payment schedule is as follows:

  • $100 non-refundable application fee, due when you submit your application.
  • $100 non-refundable interview and evaluation fee, due at the time of your interview.
  • The remaining balance is paid in monthly installments after acceptance into the program.

 

The program fee does not include:

  • Passport fees
  • Visa fees
  • Required vaccinations or immunizations
  • Host country language camp (if applicable)
  • Gifts
  • Personal travel
  • Personal spending money
  • Other personal expenses

 

As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to rank your top five country preferences. Rotary works hard to match students with one of their preferred destinations whenever possible, and many students are placed in one of their top choices.

While every effort is made to honor your preferences, placements depend on country availability, partner districts, and the best overall match for each student.

Flexibility is an important quality of a successful exchange student. Being open to new opportunities from the very beginning often leads to an unforgettable experience—regardless of the country you are assigned.

District 5810 partners with Rotary districts in many countries around the world. Available destinations may vary from year to year based on Rotary partnerships and exchange availability. During the application process, you’ll receive the current list of participating countries.

Some of our recent exchange destinations include:

Western Europe

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Eastern Europe

  • Czech Republic
  • Lithuania
  • Poland
  • Turkey

Asia

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand

South America

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Mexico
  • Paraguay

While we strive to offer exchanges to many countries, destinations may change from year to year. Our goal is to match each student with a host country where they can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing exchange experience.

No. While having some knowledge of your host country’s language can be helpful, it is not required to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Many students begin their exchange with little or no experience speaking the local language.

One of the greatest benefits of the program is language immersion. By living with host families, attending school, and interacting with local friends, most students become comfortable communicating within a few months and often achieve a high level of fluency by the end of their exchange.

Once accepted into the program and assigned a host country, students are strongly encouraged to begin learning the language before departure. The more familiar you are with the language and culture before you arrive, the smoother your transition and the more rewarding your exchange experience will be.

School credit varies depending on your home school district. Because each school has its own policies, Rotary cannot guarantee that credits earned abroad will transfer.

Students are encouraged to meet with their school counselor and principal early in the application process to discuss their academic plan. Once you have been assigned a host country, you should meet with your school again to review course options and determine whether credit can be awarded.

If you wish to receive credit for your exchange year, it is important to make all necessary arrangements with your school before you depart.

Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange students typically live with two or three carefully selected host families during their exchange, all within the same school district. Living with multiple families allows students to experience different family traditions, lifestyles, and perspectives while remaining in the same school and community.

This unique approach enriches the cultural experience, helps students build relationships with more people, and gives additional families the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

Yes, many exchange students participate in sports, music, theater, clubs, and other extracurricular activities while abroad. Opportunities vary depending on your host school, country, eligibility requirements, and schedule, so participation cannot be guaranteed.

Getting involved in school and community activities is one of the best ways to make friends, improve your language skills, and become part of your host community.

All Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange students are required to have Rotary-approved medical insurance, and the cost of this insurance is included in the Long-Term Program fee.

If you become ill or need medical care during your exchange, your host family, Rotary Counselor, and local Rotary Club will help you access appropriate medical care and will communicate with your parents or guardians when necessary.

Your health, safety, and well-being are Rotary’s highest priorities, and a strong support network is always available to assist you throughout your exchange.

Yes, but Rotary Youth Exchange is a cultural immersion program, not a tourist program.

Students often have opportunities to travel with their host families, participate in Rotary-sponsored trips, or join organized tours offered by their host district. Some of these activities may require an additional fee.

For the safety and well-being of all participants, independent or unsupervised travel is not permitted. Any travel outside your local area must be approved in advance and comply with Rotary Youth Exchange policies.

You will never be alone during your exchange. Rotary has a strong support network in place to help you navigate any challenges that may arise.

Throughout your exchange, you’ll be supported by your host families, local Rotary Club, Rotary Counselor, District Youth Exchange Committee, and Rotary International. Whether you have questions, need advice, or encounter a more serious concern, there are multiple trusted adults available to help you.

Rotary International and District 5810 are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and positive environment for every exchange student. Student safety and well-being are always our highest priorities, and clear Youth Protection policies are in place to ensure students have access to help whenever they need it.

host families

What if we just want to host an inbound student?

We’d love to hear from you! Rotary Clubs are always looking for caring families to host inbound exchange students. You do not have to be a Rotarian to become a host family. Whether you’re a family with children, empty nesters, a married couple, or a single-parent household, you may be a great fit.

Hosting is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Rotary Youth Exchange, make a lasting impact on a student’s life, and create unforgettable memories for your own family.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a host family, please contact:

Mike Pugh- mrpughd5810@yahoo.com

Roxana Iannarelli- iannarelli5810@gmail.com

Host families welcome an exchange student as a member of their family, providing a safe, caring, and supportive home environment. Students are expected to follow both the Rotary Youth Exchange guidelines and the normal rules and routines of the host family.

Host families are responsible for the student’s well-being just as they would be for their own children. This includes providing guidance, encouragement, meals, transportation to school and Rotary activities, and helping students adjust to life in the United States.

While host families include students in everyday family life, they are not expected to serve as a full-time chauffeur or tour guide. Your local Rotary club, the student’s Rotary counselor, and other Rotarians help support the student’s activities and experiences throughout the exchange.

Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange students typically live with two or three host families during their exchange. Each stay usually lasts about three to four months, although the timing may vary depending on the Rotary club and host families. This allows students to experience different family traditions and perspectives while remaining in the same school and community.

You are never on your own. Throughout the exchange, you’ll be supported by your local Rotary Club, the student’s Rotary Counselor, and the District Youth Exchange Committee. Whether you have questions, need advice, or encounter a challenge, experienced Rotarians are available to help every step of the way.

Host families provide room, meals, transportation for normal family and school activities, and include the student in everyday family life. Students receive a monthly allowance from their host Rotary Club and are responsible for personal expenses. Rotary will explain financial expectations before hosting begins.

Yes. All Rotary Youth Exchange students are required to have Rotary-approved health insurance for the duration of their exchange.

The insurance provides coverage for eligible medical needs while the student is abroad. If a student becomes ill or needs medical care, the host family, Rotary Counselor, and local Rotary Club will help the student access appropriate medical services and communicate with their parents or guardians as needed.

Before departure, students and their families will receive information about the required insurance coverage and how it works during the exchange.

Yes! Students are encouraged to participate in normal family activities, including vacations and weekend trips. Overnight travel and international travel require prior approval in accordance with Rotary Youth Exchange policies.