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.