Discover the world. Discover yourself.

Belgium

I met amazing people from all around the world and we really created a family. I have so many good memories with my people, and I know I will never forget them. These relationships are made forever!

Switzerland

Meeting other Rotary students in my exchange area was special, because we were having the same experience. We had the same feelings about everything that was going on. Plus they were from a different home country, so we could work to learn the new language together.

Germany

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.

Denmark

You have to make a lot of decisions for yourself on an exchange. You grow more mature, and you become a lot more independent because you are not around your family at home. I met a lot of challenges, I think every exchange student does, but I definitely became more confident in myself.

Spain

“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 new culture, city and how to connect with people from all walks of life. The food, the language, the energy—it was all so new, and I soaked up every bit of it. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed my life in so many ways. I don’t go a day without thinking about my experience.’’ – Violet Conway

France

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 all my memories of this incredible experience still are! Remembering the other students from all over the world, the great host families, counselors, and other Rotarians involved in my exchange, and all the friends I made and still have today. “Make dreams real” was Rotary’s motto during the 2008/2009 year. Rotary’s Youth Exchange did that for me.

Learning/knowing a second language, meeting people from all over the world and discovering new places have been TREMENDOUS benefits in my life, both back then and ever since. And so much has happened! I finished high school, went on a preparatory school to pass the entry exam of one of the best French business schools, and eventually received Master’s degrees from both EDHEC and the University of Alberta. I went on a student exchange in Edmonton, AB, Canada as part of my school program, fell in love with the city, decided to stay and received my Canadian Permanent Residency.

I joined Rotary – as a member this time, hoping that I will soon be able to help future youth exchange students benefit from the same life-changing experience as I did. And it all started with a Youth Exchange Student. YES. Do it, it’s worth it. “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” ― Miriam Adeney

Italy

One of the greatest things I gained is my fellow exchange friends. You get to share experiences and it was really comforting to have people that knew exactly what I was going through. Now they’re some of my best friends. Nothing brings two people together like going through the exact same thing at the same time.

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Mexico

My host families were so welcoming to bring me into their home. They also sent a student on exchange, so they really understood what my parents would be going through and what I was going through too. I feel like we were really connected right from the beginning just because we all understood that experience.

Columbia

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 to return and live there again in the future.

Chile

My exchange helped me to be a better leader, and to be more helpful in my family and in my school. I learned how to speak another language fluently, but it’s not just that. You make connections. You make friendships. You make a lot of experiences and memories that are like gold.

Brazil

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 comfort zone sounds intimidating but it’s a great opportunity to see what you are capable of and to grow. Now I have a “home” away from “home”.