The Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most enlightening and impactful educational opportunities high school students can experience. In this critical time of self-discovery, RYE gives you the chance to take charge of your future, grow as a leader, and step into your role as a global citizen.
Experience the world.
Make international connections.
Study with the Rotary Youth Exchange.
Get started now. Here’s how it works.
Apply
Start the process by submitting an application.
Feel free to reach out to your local Rotary Club with any questions you have, or contact our Youth Exchange Officer for more information.
Interview
After you have applied, your local Rotary Club will set up an interview with you to determine if you are a good fit for the program. If selected by your local Rotary Club, you will be asked to a District-level interview. We want RYE students to thrive in the program. The interview process helps us confirm that you’re prepared for a successful exchange.
Selection
From the moment you’re selected, you’ll have the full support of Rotary International both at home and abroad. The local Rotary Club where you spend your exchange will place your safety and security first. They will be readily available to work through any problems that arise, and will help make your exchange the best possible experience.
Travel
After all the arrangements are made, your adventure begins. You’ll step off the plane into a brand new country, diving head first into a different culture. The RYE program is both an adventure and a challenge, but we will give you all the tools you need to ensure you have an enriching experience and a successful exchange. We believe in you, and will empower you to believe in yourself.
Live
During your exchange you’ll stay with 2-4 host families. Why multiple host families? Every home is different, so this arrangement allows you to have a more diverse experience.
The local Rotary Club where you spend your exchange places your safety and security first, and will be readily available to work through any problems you encounter.
RYE host families are carefully selected by their local Rotary Club, and are excited to welcome you into their home.
Explore
There will be a world of opportunity waiting just outside your host family’s front door. You’ll have the chance to tour bustling cities, view natural wonders, taste unique cuisines, and participate in Rotary-sponsored trips to fully experience everything your host country has to offer.
Study
You’ll continue your studies in your host country, and experience the educational system of a different culture. By participating in school-sponsored clubs, sports programs, and daily classes you’ll discover cultural differences, and see more clearly the similarities we all share.
Connect
The Rotary Youth Exchange expands your world. And at the same time, it makes your world a little smaller as you build international connections that will last a lifetime. Connect and develop lasting relationships with your host family, members of your exchange community’s Rotary Club, students at your exchange school, other students on exchange in your country, and RYE alumni when you return home.
Grow
Your RYE experience will change you and the way you see the world. You’ll be bilingual. You’ll have made friendships and memories to cherish forever. You’ll stand out on college applications. And most importantly, you’ll gain independence, perspective, confidence, and cultural understanding.
Share
You’ll want to talk about your exchange with everyone you meet! We give you the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the Rotary Youth Exchange when you return home, sharing your experience with prospective students, Rotary clubs, and your community.
Start Your RYE Journey!
Are you…
- 15 ½ to 18 ½ years old?
- Currently enrolled in high school?
- Outgoing and excited to meet new people?
- Motivated to learn a new language?
- Ready to experience a new culture?
- Passionate about being an ambassador for cultural understanding?
- Craving a life changing experience?
If you answered yes to all of those questions, you may be the right fit for the RYE program.
Want to learn more about the exchange process?
Head to our student resources page and our Study Abroad FAQ
Don’t just take it from us.
Hear the experiences of other students just like you. They’ve been there, done that, and love to share their stories.