More Youth Exchange Information
For Students
Where can I go on an exchange?
The Youth Exchange program is active in over 40 countries and
geographical areas. Selected students are placed in communities where a
local club has agreed to host a participant. Because of the need for a host,
applicants do not determine their exchange location, but they may identify
preferences.
How much does it cost?
Cost varies by country. Students and their families are required to provide
round-trip transportation, clothing, health and travel insurance, and
spending money. For long-term exchanges, the host club will pay any
school tuition fees for required academic programs and provide a modest
monthly allowance. Free room and board are provided by host families
selected by the host club.
What are the rules?
Each district and club sets rules that students are expected to follow
to preserve the exchange structure and ensure safety. To help students
understand the rules and expectations, districts conduct mandatory
program orientation sessions.
In addition to club and district rules, Rotary International has set forth the
following expectations:
o Follow the local laws and customs in the host country.
o Follow the host district and club rules.
o Follow the host family?s rules, such as curfews and household chores.
o Do not drive or operate a motorized vehicle of any kind.
If a student disobeys agreed-upon rules or an insurmountable problem
arises, the host district may decide that it is in the student's best interest to
return home early.
What if I am not sure if I want to go on an exchange?
It is normal to be anxious when considering living abroad for an extended
period of time. However, students must be sure that they are comfortable
with the program before they leave on an exchange. Students who have
serious reservations about any aspect of the exchange or feel that they
cannot meet their obligations should seek the counsel of a local Rotarian
or former program participant. Youth Exchange is a wonderful opportunity,
and students should feel fully comfortable before they embark on their
exchange.
Do I need to be fluent in my host country's language?
Though most host districts do not require students to be fluent in the local
language on arrival, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in classes
to develop a basic competency before departure. Language proficiency is
sometimes needed to obtain a visa, and host districts may require exchange
students to take language classes after they arrive. An ability to understand
the language will help students become comfortable with their new
surroundings and ease homesickness.
More Youth Exchange Information
For Parents
How does the district?s Youth Exchange program ensure
the safety of my child?
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment
for Youth Exchange students through a support structure. This structure
includes the following elements:
All students have a Rotarian counselor who maintains regular contact
with them and serves as a liaison between them and the club, host
family, guardians, and the community. The counselor is trained in
responding to problems that may arise during the exchange.
The district provides abuse and harassment prevention training to all
Youth Exchange program participants and ensures that all participants
undergo background checks and screening procedures in accordance
with the laws or legal requirements of the host country.
Each student has access to a female and a male non-Rotarian who are
alternative resources in the event of a problem. The district ensures that
students can contact a district representative
24 hours a day, and it has guidelines for reporting problems and
incidents that may arise during the exchange.
Districts are required to immediately report all cases of sexual abuse
and harassment first to the appropriate law enforcement authorities,
then to the club and district leadership for follow-through. In all cases,
the students' legal guardians are to be contacted as soon as possible.
What can I do to help my child prepare for the
exchange experience?
One of the most important ways for parents to help their child prepare to
go abroad is to be involved in the preparation process. Reading all Youth
Exchange materials, asking the student questions, and participating in the
visa and passport process are all great ways for parents or guardians to be
involved.
Parents and guardians should look at the packing list carefully and keep
copies of all documents, such as prescriptions and the student's visa and
passport.
Parents and guardians should also study the host country to gain
perspective on the student's experiences abroad, but they should try to limit
communication. It is important that an exchange student become involved
and comfortable with daily life in the host country to move quickly through
the homesickness stage. Limiting communication helps students integrate
into their host country's culture.
The Youth Exchange experience is extremely rewarding.
It changes a student's life through increased international awareness and
understanding. Congratulations on taking the first step toward helping your
child to see the world in a different way!
