“To spend a year filled with love, learning, experiences, and life changing memories is one of the greatest privileges I have had. The friends and family, language, and incredible experiences have shaped me and changed me in all the best ways. Rotary Youth Exchange has given me the chance to live a life of memories […]
“Getting to spend a year abroad was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. I learned a new language, immersed myself in a new culture, and gained family and friends I will love and cherish forever. This experience has shaped me in ways I could have never imagined, and I am infinitely
“From 2023 to 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Alicante, Spain—a vibrant port city on the Mediterranean that couldn’t have been more different from the small Midwest town I came from. The change of pace was eye-opening in the best way. I learned how to be more independent, how to navigate a
“My gap year abroad changed my life for the better. I now perceive people differently, want to learn about different cultures, and have the desire to see the world more. My favorite thing during my exchange year was going on a 10-day boat trip through the Amazon Rainforest.”- Kennedy Brooks
Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My year in Germany was full of adventure and excitement. I was able to meet students from all over the world and I learned so much about myself. I came back more self assured and independent.
On August 8, 2008 (08/08/08), I started my Rotary Youth Exchange, leaving France for Columbia, MO, USA for a year. To this day, I still have so many memories from this amazing year: from the wonderful persons I met to the beautiful places I’ve been to. Over 10 years later, it amazes me how vivid
I went to Cucuta Colombia with the idea of developing and improving my knowledge of Spanish and to mature as a citizen of the world and the USA. What I got was an amazing experience learning about a beautiful country with a rich and vibrant history full of warm and caring people. I would like
Being a Rotary Youth Exchange student gave me a new perspective with which to view the world, helped me to develop lifelong communication skills, learn a new language and experience a new culture. During my exchange I built lasting friendships with people from around the world and became a global citizen. Getting out of your
I studied abroad in Marbella, Spain in 2016 during my junior year of high school. I could not have ever imagined just how much being a Rotary exchange student would change my life. I met so many incredible people that I still talk to today, had two amazing host families who taught me all about
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.