Exchange Programs
The objective of Rotary Exchange Programs is to foster world peace and international understanding. It is hoped that the participants will experience first hand, the problems and accomplishments of other countries, by living with and meeting people of different cultures.
Being away in a foreign country helps students mature. Managing finances and making decisions increases self confidence and independence. The development of tolerance toward other lifestyles, cultures and the personalities of other people are life-long benefits. Friendships will last a lifetime.
The Rotary Long-Term Exchange - L.T.E.P
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with a few host families and attending school in a different country.
More than 8,000 young people each year have experiences like these through Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Are you ready for it? As you’re learning, you’ll also be teaching the
people you meet about your country, your culture,
and your ideas. You’ll be a young ambassador,
helping to bring the world closer together and
making some good friends in the process.
If you’re ready for the challenge and the rewards
of living in another country as an exchange student,
then you’re ready to discover new worlds
through the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
During your exchange, you’ll live with a host family
and attend school. To gain a greater understanding of
your host country’s culture, you will live with at least
two, preferably three, host families during your stay.
The host Rotary Club will conscientiously screen and
select your host families. You will make friends and
get to know the area where you’re living.
As a Youth Exchange student, you will agree to:
• Act as an ambassador of your own country
• Be open to new experiences and cultural
differences
• Abide by all program rules of your host
Rotary Club and district
• Accept the supervision of the host district,
host club, and host family
• Ask questions of your host family and
Rotarian hosts and be an active participant
in your exchange
Who is Eligible?
Any student of good character who possesses a warm personality and a desire to live abroad, age 15-19 is eligible. Candidates should be adaptable and flexible, well- mannered and want to experience life in other countries and cultures. Children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians are eligible.
Applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club. Any member of a Rotary Club will put you in touch with its Youth Exchange Chairperson who will help with details and the application.
What countries are available for the Exchange Programs?
For the 2010 exchange year most countries with which we currently have academic year long exchanges have indicated their interest in also participating in short term exchanges. In addition, other countries within the Rotary world are possible destinations.
How much does it cost?
Typically, students and their parents or guardians
are expected to cover the following expenses:
• Round-trip airfare
• Health and accident insurance that meets
the requirements of the host club and district
• All travel documents, such as passports and
visas
• Vaccinations
• Clothing and spending money
• An emergency fund for unexpected
expenses during the year
• Ancillary travel and tours
For specific information, contact your local Rotary
Club.
The Rotary Short-Term Exchange - S.T.E.P. provides opportunities for high school students to advance their knowledge and world understanding by allowing them to exchange in a foreign country.
Participants will live with a Host Family in the selected country for a minimum of three weeks during the summer, and as long as several months, under the sponsorship of a local Rotary Club. The Short-Term Exchange asks that your family will host in return. It is also helpful for your placement if you are able to exchange with a student of either sex.
The maximum stay will be less than 90 days because of visa requirements and will not involve a schooling component
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How much does the Short-Term Exchange cost?
The student pays most of the cost of this program. Cost of travel, passport, visa, if necessary, the Rotary District 7040 application fee of $100.00, insurance, clothing and personal expenses are the responsibility of the participating student and family. You should have a check-up with your family doctor to determine if you need any vaccinations for a foreign country. In addition, your parents and anyone in your family over 18 will need to have a police background check (Canada) or background check (US).
Travel to the host country is arranged by each student’s family communicating with the other student’s family, determining dates, times and airlines to be booked for the exchange. Frequently, students who travel first accompany their host siblings on the return flight home. Because hosting is family-to-family, room and board are provided. However, the student should have immediate access to a minimum of $150 in case of emergency. The final expenses are incurred through hosting of the "partner" student. |
New Generations Exchange - Please note that this program is not available in 2010.
New Generation Exchanges are open to people ages 19-25, making this an ideal option for recent secondary school graduates and Rotaractors. Usually lasting three to six weeks, these exchanges may be arranged for individuals or groups, and can involve homestays, tours, or camps. Students in this program travel on a visitor’s visa, and schooling is generally not permitted, although there have been instances where students have attended classes at a university, depending on the location and school. The program is better suited for internships; an opportunity to learn about a career from individuals currently working in the profession. At this age level, we would expect the individual to put their own program together, while Rotary would provide the home hosting. It is easier to arrange if you are willing to accept a family-to-family exchange, which can take place over 2 years. |
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