About us

Rotary Youth Exchange - Florida! 
What an exciting adventure awaits you, as a potential Rotary exchange student or host family, as you look to expand your horizons as they've never been expanded before. We invite you to explore our site, learn more about the program, and, if it's right for you, take those first steps toward one of the most amazing, memorable, adventurous years of your life.

Who Are We?
Rotary International is the world's oldest and most international service organization, with over 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs, in almost 200 countries. The official Rotary motto is, "Service Above Self", and Rotarians live their lives in accordance with the Four Way Test. You can find out more about our wonderful organization and its many programs and projects by visiting the Rotary International website.

There are more than 400 Rotary clubs in the eight Rotary districts in Florida. District borders follow county lines. Click here to see a district map and listing by county. 

Each year, over 8,000 high school students participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program worldwide, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture, through the efforts of Rotary volunteers around the globe. The Youth Exchange (YE) programs in Florida are growing, through the efforts of the newly energized multi-district organization, Rotary Youth Exchange Florida, Inc.

As you explore this website, you will find much historical information on District 6970's YE program, which serves as the basis for the statewide effort. District 6970 has built a dynamic, highly respected Youth Exchange program, which is the largest in the southeast, and was honored as the Outstanding Rotary Youth Exchange District in the US and Canada for 2006! That same excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence is now spreading throughout the Sunshine State.

How to Become an Exchange Student

To learn about program options, requirements, costs, and more, read our FAQ.

Find out about the application process HERE.

Our program follows the Policies of Rotary Youth Exchange Florida, Inc.

Past U.S. Secretary of State

Also in the news: Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ann Stock :

“Hosting not only makes a difference in the life of an exceptional student; it is also an enriching experience for host families and communities. Host families and communities have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions, and often establish friendships that last a lifetime.

“…Host families exemplify some of our country's greatest values -- tolerance, generosity, civic engagement -- and the goodwill they exhibit helps to create a positive view of the United States that lasts a lifetime and has a ripple effect through American communities and the exchange students' communities abroad. Hosting is a wonderful way to share ideas, celebrate commonalities, bridge differences, challenge stereotypes, and experience a different culture.”