Maybe you've gotten to know
one or two of our exchange students in your high school, and you wonder if you
could do what they are doing. Or perhaps you heard about our program from a teacher or
guidance counselor, or at a presentation by Rotary. However the seed was
planted, if you think you might be able to do this, then you owe it to
yourself to follow up, learn more, and consider applying.
So what should you do?
First, spend some time on this website, to learn more
about Rotary, the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and our current or
former exchange students. Here are some places to visit:
- The FAQ page, for the Frequently
Asked Questions
- The Forms page, where you can
download the application documents
- The individual pages of our
outbound students, where you can read
their journals and track them
through their complete experiences. Just click on a picture, and discover
someone's adventure. (Last
year's outbound students.)
If your excitement level is starting to build, then it's
time to look at the application forms and start working on them. Remember,
the application is your introduction to the Rotarians who will decide your
acceptance, as well as to the families and schools that will welcome you
overseas.
All applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club and
district, so it's important
that you make contact with someone in your area. If, however, you don't know a
local Rotarian, or if you'd like help in this task, you can certainly complete
our inquiry form. We will follow up with you,
and refer your inquiry to someone in your area to get
you on the right track.
The application deadline each year is in October, for the
following school year. There is a lot to do before submitting your
application. First, you have to determine which
Rotary District
you reside in. If you're not sure,
click here.
Next, you and your parents should plan to
attend one of our informational meetings, held during the fall in
various locations around the state. These informational meetings will
usually be held in the evening, and will last approximately two hours,
including time for any questions. The schedule and location of meetings
can be found on your district's page, as
well as a meeting registration form. Those
informational meetings will give you and your family a thorough look at the
program, will answer your questions, and will explain the interview and
selection process in detail.
If you don't see a meeting in your area, check back a few
days later, as additional meetings are added all the time. Or contact the
Youth Exchange chairperson in your district - their names and contact
information can be found here.
So start clicking and reading,
and good luck from all of us in the Rotary Youth Exchange
program! We look forward to helping you realize your dream!
More information on our
FAQ page!
Selection Procedures:
(Please note that some districts
might have a slightly different procedure.)
- Study and learn about our program on this website.
- Attend a student/parent information meeting.
- Contact a local Rotary club that will sponsor your
application.
- Submit application.
- Initial interview by a local club Rotarian and/or Rotary
YE Councilor with you and your parents (some
districts).
- Selected students will be invited to next round of
interviews. (November)
- Selected students will find out that they have been
selected and their country. (December)
- Two 3-day weekends of training in January and June, plus
several other meetings and training to prepare you for your
year abroad.
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