Short Term Exchange Program

Rotary Short Term Exchange provides opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and world understanding by allowing them to exchange in a different country. Participants will live with Host Families in the selected land for a minimum of three weeks during the summer and as long as several months, under the sponsorship of their local Rotary Club. The maximum stay will be less than 90 days because of visa requirements and will not involve a schooling component.

The objective of the Short Term Exchange Program is to foster world peace, international understanding and goodwill by extending international communication at the personal level through exchange of high school age students. It is our hope that these young people will be able to experience first hand, the problems and accomplishments of another country by living with and meeting people of cultures, creeds and colours other than their own.

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 which last a lifetime may be formed.

The Rotary International Short Term Exchange program is VOLUNTEER DRIVEN. It is organized and administered by VOLUNTEER Rotarians and their families throughout the world. The operation is done at several levels. They select the students, prepare them, arrange hosting abroad and provide travel and insurance information.

Rotarians are not paid for this service that they provide. There is no payment to families nor is there any quota which must be satisfied. The Rotary program, while being the least expensive exchange program, provides students with local Rotarians who monitor the welfare of the students. At times of immediate need, students who are away from home will be more comfortable knowing that any Rotarian of their host club will be available to help and offer guidance.

The D7040 Short Term Exchange coordinators arrange for the student’s family to host a matching Rotary applicant (between the ages of 15 and 19 years) usually for 3 to 6 weeks during the summer. Other times of the year may be arranged family to family and split exchanges from one year to the next are also possible. Exchanges can be arranged between the two families for less than 3 weeks but not more than 9 weeks. The exchange in each country is for an equal amount of time. During this period, the student must not have a summer job or commitments that would interfere with the obligations of hosting.

For the 2008 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.

Click here to see the list of participating countries currently exchanging with District 7040 for the academic year long program. Many countries are the same as long term, but not always, and for good reasons. We do not exchange with countries that are more than a day's flight away because the flights are too expensive. The earlier an application arrives, the better chance you have of exchanging with your first choice of countries. It is also helpful for placement if you are able to host a student of either sex. The preliminary applications for 2008 are due October 31, 2007. Orientations are November 4, 2007 and May 31, 2008. The final applications are due on November 30, 2007.

Any student of good character who possesses a warm personality and a desire to live abroad, age 15-19, whose family will host in return 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. Contact any member of that Club who will put you in touch with its Youth Exchange Chairperson regarding details and an application form. The high school guidance counsellors usually cooperate with the Rotary Club and can help make that contact. The application process for 2008 is now finished, but contact your local Rotary club for more information about a late entry into the program.

The student's family pays most of the costs of this program. Cost of travel, passport, visa if necessary, the Rotary District 7040 application fee of $50.00, 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 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.

Young Adults 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 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 if you will accept a family to family exchange, even though it can take place over 2 years.

For more information, questions or concerns please contact Fred and Ariane Carriere