Rotary Youth Exchange: 
The Experience of a Lifetime

Every year approximately 7,000 students  go abroad under the auspices of the Rotary Youth Exchange programme. The increased self awareness and global perspective that they derive from the experience would not be possible without the commitment of the many volunteer host families and the dedication of those Rotarians who serve as Youth Exchange officers. In fact, this commitment and enthusiasm is transferred to many exchange students who continue their involvement after their exchange as members of ROTEX. Further details of the Rotary Youth Exchange program are provided in the "Student Handbook".

Rotary Youth Exchange Students 

This year about 7,000 young people will see the world the way it is best seen — from the inside out — through the youth exchange program. This could be your year!

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year, living with a host family in a country other than your own. You may learn a new language; you will learn a new way of living and a great deal about yourself. But there’s more! While you are busy learning, the people you meet will be learning as well — about your country, your culture, and your ideas. You will be a young ambassador. You will be helping to bring the world closer together — and you’ll be making some good friends in the process.

If you are ready for the challenge and the rewards of living in another land as an exchange student, then you are ready to discover new worlds through Rotary's Youth Exchange programme.

Each year, local Rotary districts and clubs worldwide arrange thousands of international Youth Exchanges for high school-aged students. A primary goal of the programme is to foster world understanding by way of intercultural exchange.

Student Testimonial 

Click here to view a  student testimonial of one of our students in Austria at the moment.

Student Selection 

Local Rotary districts and clubs screen youth interested in the programme by using detailed applications, activities and interviews. This process helps ensure that only highly responsible and mature students are sent on an exchange. Generally, students are selected based on the following criteria:

• Scholastic record 

• Capacity to become fluent in a new language 

• Community involvement 

• Potential as a cultural ambassador 

• Age

• Adaptability

• Self Expression

If you are interested in becoming a Rotary Youth Exchange student, please contact your local Rotary club to see if it participates in this programme. To locate Rotary clubs in your area go to the Application forms page.

Exchange Countries 

District 9600 currently exchanges with the following countries:

Austria                                             Switzerland Belgium Sweden Denmark Finland

Canada Brazil France Germany Japan