Rotary Youth Exchange.

International Experience - Individual Impact.

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Grow, Learn, Live In Another Culture.

Students Testimonials

Frands HaulundInbound from Denmark
You will only regret the opportunities you didn't take. There will always be something that you’ll look back on and think, why didn't I do that? But opportunities lead to other opportunities. Just take control of your own exchange and make the best of it, that's really important.
Jeanne SimonInbound from Belgium
I was worried my friends and family would miss me too much, and that could have an impact on my exchange. But time flew! I was always busy with new things to discover and sharing time with my host families and new friends. I didn’t have time to feel nostalgic about my life in Belgium.
Laura DerenneInbound from Belgium
One of my best memories is when my mom visited me and we got to visit her host families from 30 years ago. I really enjoyed seeing new places but mostly meeting those amazing people. Nothing had changed between them and my mom even after all that time.
Aude MayerInbound from Switzerland
Studying abroad made me less shy and more open to making contact with people. It made me feel like a part of something. And even now, when I meet people who tell me they went on an exchange, it feels like we're all part of something bigger, and that’s really awesome.
Adeline KrausOutbound to Mexico
I feel like before my exchange I could kind of relate to other people. I could see the world from a different political party’s view or from a different religious view, but all American. Now I feel like I can see the world from the viewpoint of people from other countries too.
Constanza AsteteInbound from Chile
I always say that now my family's not here. It's not just here, it’s all around the world. And that's something I think everybody has to experience once in their life. Yeah, it can be scary, but you're going to be with people that really help you, and that's amazing.
Hope GowinOutbound to Belgium
I’ve been back to visit since my exchange, and it's really like visiting family members. These are people I lived with for so long, and they were like actual parental figures, brothers, and sisters to me. When you live with each other for long enough, and have great memories together, it feels like family.
Olivia TaylorOutbound to Italy
If you don't think you can do it, do it anyway. Every single person will gain new experiences, and it just helps you grow so much as a person. It’s always a really cool conversation starter. Plus you are going to have bragging rights for the rest of your life.

Don’t just study abroad, thrive there.

The Rotary Youth Exchange gives young adults the chance to experience a new country, live in a new culture, and create lifelong global connections.

Join the more than 10,000 high school students and graduated seniors/gap year students who study abroad with the Rotary Youth Exchange each year, and embark on a life-changing experience as you step into your role as a global citizen.

Are you ready to open a world of possibility? Your journey starts here.

Important Dates

Applications will be received July – November 30 annually for Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound candidates for the following summer and academic year. Annual application deadline for Long Term/academic year is November 30.

  • November 30

Deadline for Student Applications

  • December 15

Deadline for Student interviews by Local Rotary Clubs
Deadline for Club Recommendations for Student to be interviewed by the District

  • 2nd Saturday of January

District 6080 Interviews – Place to be determined annually

  • Short Term Youth Exchange

See STEP – Short Term Exchange Program

Important Dates

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program will not be active again until July 2022. Applications will be received July-November 2021 for that exchange year. Application deadline for the 2022 program is October 31, 2021.

  • October 31, 2021

Deadline for Student Applications

  • November 10, 2021

Deadline for Student Interviews by Local Rotary Clubs & Deadline for Club Recommendations for Students to be Interview by District

  • December 4, 2021

District 6080 Interviews for Youth Exchange – Time & Location TBD

High School Year Abroad

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Gap Year Abroad

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Host A Student

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It was an incredible experience for our whole family. Each student loved our grandson and he definitely enjoyed having them all stay with us. It makes the world just a little bit smaller in a good way
The Long FamilyHosted Emma, Fernanda, and Laura
There was nothing truly difficult about having students in our home, they’re incredible kids. The issue was more us, getting nervous, thinking we need to treat them like company. That’s the obstacle people have to get over. It’s more comfortable when you just relax. Like, this is our family, we are who we are, and you’re welcome here.
The Taylor FamilyHosted Hank and Ava
These students are different. Just think of the most mature valedictorian you've ever met in your life, that's what you're getting. They come in and they're such a good influence on your children, and they're just an overall good influence on your life. It's a plus all the way around.
The Taylor FamilyHosted Jeanne

Add some international spice to your family’s life...

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