Frequently Asked Questions

You should be between the ages of 15 ½  and 18 ½  at the start of the school year when you would be an outbound student. Although we do take note of your academic record, straight A’s are not mandatory! Qualities like character, leadership ability, independence, maturity, and a desire for adventure are the best indicators of an ideal candidate.

After submitting an application, you’ll be contacted by the Youth Exchange Officer of your local Rotary Club. You’ll meet with him or her to discuss the program and get answers for any questions you may have. Then, you’ll be interviewed to determine if you’re a good candidate. If it seems like a good fit, you will be invited to participate in the District level selection interviews. Both you and your parents/guardians are interviewed. That’s the last step before you are officially selected as a Rotary Youth Exchange student.

For the Long-Term Exchange Program, you play a flat fee to District 6080 of $1650. This fee includes Orientation sessions for both student and parents/guardians, training materials, language training online module, Rotary blazer and pins, flags and other ambassador materials.

It does NOT include: your passport and visa fees, airfare and ticket changes, foreign language camps, medical and liability insurance and other personal expenses. It does NOT include any post-exchange travel for a District sponsored trip or camp.

Your Rotary Host Club will provide a monthly allowance, housing and school expenses.

Students can expect to spend $6000 - $8000 total depending on their host country, lifestyle and optional Rotary sponsored trips.

In recent years our Rotary district has exchanged with Denmark, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Taiwan, The Netherlands and Japan. But virtually anywhere in the world is possible. You will list your country preferences on your preliminary application, and we will do our best to place you in one of your first five choices. However, there are no guarantees. We encourage students to be open to accepting opportunities in any country.

See complete country list.
See testimonials from students.

You are required to attend Rotary Youth Exchange Orientations and other events in preparation for your exchange. You’ll need to complete a physical with your doctor to confirm you’re healthy enough to travel. Although we don’t expect you to be fluent when you depart, you’ll need to start learning the language of your host country. No exchange is finalized until we observe the orientation process, assess your effort to learn your host country’s language, and are convinced that you’ll be a good ambassador during your time abroad.

Some school systems will give you academic credit for classes taken during your exchange year. Others will not. It’s important to check with your guidance counselor and school administration to determine their policy.

Long-term exchanges typically last 10-11 months, and begin in July and August.

Students typically live with two to four families in their host country. Every home is different, so living with multiple host families will give you a more diverse experience. RYE host families are screened and carefully selected by the local Rotary Club.

Any opportunity to travel, gain new friendships, and make incredible memories will benefit you for the rest of your life. But RYE also offers you an opportunity to master another language. By fully integrating into a different culture, you’ll also gain a new perspective on cultural appreciation and serve as an ambassador of goodwill as you teach people in your host country about the United States. You’ll gain independence, confidence, and purpose. Ultimately, it’s your opportunity to step into your role as a leader - today, tomorrow, internationally, and within your community at home.