Youth Exchange

Countries Involved
Exchanges are made between Rotary districts.  Almost 50 countries participate in the program.  (See list of countries on Forms  page).

Length of Exchange
About 10 months, typically August through June. Students stay with  2, 3 host families during the year.

Students Eligible
Boys and girls ages 15-18.  Applicants select 5 countries they are most interested in.  Although every effort is made to place a student in one of the selected countries, this is not guaranteed.  (See Age Chart on Forms page).

Approximate Costs
(1) District Application Fee, $450.00.  (2) Round trip Airfare, variable but generally between $1,500 and $2,500.  (3) Plan B Health Insurance and Personal Liability Insurance, $620  (4) Additional foreign Insurance in some countries, $300.00 to $500.00.  (5) Language School in some countries, $300.00 to $500.00.  (6) Emergency Fund, $500.00.  (7) VISA and Passport fees, $100.00 to $200.00.  (8) Blue Blazer, variable.  (9) Gifts for Host Families, variable.  (10) Pins to exchange, can make your own or purchase some, plus or minus $50.00.  (11) Extra money for travel and special events, variable as needed.

Applications
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and normally no later than November 30 of the year prior to their departure. Early applicants will get preference in country assignments.
See Forms page for the preliminary application. Forms can also be obtained from high schools or from Rotary Club Exchange Officers and should be submitted to him/her as an original and two photocopies with identical color photographs affixed to each copy.
Applications must typed or printed neatly.  If accepted into the program, a detailed application will be required.

District Screening and Selections
Students will be interviewed first by local Rotary Clubs and then District Committee members after receipt of the application. Country assignments will be determined later, upon acceptance into program.

Host Families
Hosts may be Rotary or non-Rotary families.  Rotary Clubs who sponsor an American Outbound Student are expected to coordinate hosting for a foreign student with the host parents. Parents of Outbound Students are encouraged to host inbound students.  A Host Family Application and review of the hosting family must be completed by the Rotary Club.

Rules for Exchange Students
See Program Rules on Forms page.

Club Youth Exchange Officer
Each participating Rotary Club has a Youth Exchange Officer who recruits students, receives applications, arranges club screening and pre departure orientation, insures proper travel arrangements.  The YEX also recruits host families, welcomes inbound students and provides club orientation, helps host arrange high school enrollment, checks periodically with school and family, helps students and host families with problems that may arise, ensures monthly payment of student allowance, arranges student contacts with club, keeps club informed and maintains contact with District Chairman of Youth Exchange

For more information, visit the ESSEX website     Rotary International Youth Exchange
Rev 10/12/09