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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply for the exchange program?
A: Rotary's Youth Exchange program is open to young men and women,
between the ages of 15-19, sons and daughters of Rotarians AND
non-Rotarians alike. Applicants are selected by a sponsoring Rotary club
on the basis of a written application and a personal interview.
Qualified applicants are academically above average, articulate, and
demonstrate community leadership skills.
Q: What are the different types of exchanges
offered?
A: Exchanges usually last for an academic year, during which the student
lives with more than one family and attends high school in the host
country. District 5930 offers a short term exchange program, also.
Q: Where can I go on my exchange?
A: Exchanges can occur between any two countries in which there
are Rotary clubs. Rotary clubs in approximately 65 countries and regions
annually sponsor or host Youth Exchange students. Rotary District 5930
Youth Exchange program currently has an exchange relationship with these
countries.
Q: How much should I expect to pay?
A: While room and board for the exchangee is provided by the
host family, the student and the student's own family assume certain
financial obligations. The participation fee for the 2008-09 exchange
year is $5,200.00. Included in this amount are: round-trip air
transportation, orientation sessions, Rotary blazer and emblem, basic
insurance, pins for exchanging, business cards, study materials, and a
name badge. The host Rotary club will provide a modest monthly
allowance, and will usually pay the student’s tuition for all required
academic programs. A program has been established by the Rotary District
5930 - Youth Exchange Committee to help pay part of the Youth Exchange
Program fee for those students who demonstrate financial need. To obtain
an application for financial assistance, after district interviews are
held, a written request must be sent to the Youth Exchange Office so it
is received by December 31.
Q: Where and when do I apply?
A: The first step is to obtain sponsorship from your local
Rotary club. Please visit the Where
Clubs Meet District 5950 or District
5930 Clubs sections of the district Web sites to find the Rotary
Club nearest you. Or you may contact the Rotary Youth Exchange
Office. Please contact your local Rotary club president and you
will be advised of the club’s procedures for application. Your local
Rotary Youth Exchange club exchange officer will review your application
and schedule an interview for you and your parents in late October. If
you meet the requirements of a good candidate, you will be invited to a
final interview on the first Saturday of December. All interviewed
candidates will receive the results of this final interview by December
22.
If you are selected to be a Rotary
Exchange Student, you must attend three mandatory Outbound Orientations:
January 26, March 8 and April 12, 2008. Departure to your exchange
country will occur in June, July or August, 2008.
Q: Are there any program rules?
A: Although Rotary International offers support to local Rotary
Youth Exchange programs through publications and suggested guidelines,
Rotary districts and clubs run their programs independent of Rotary
International. Therefore, each club or district program will have its
own specific rules for students to follow. Students accepted into the
program sign and agree to abide by a list of program rules prior to
their departure from home. While the hosting Rotary club will discuss
all program rules with you, you and your parents may wish to review the
program rules to be sure that everyone has a clear understanding of what
is expected. Program rules generally consist of common-sense
stipulations, such as no driving of motor vehicles and the need to
obtain special permission for travel while on the exchange. Full rules
can be found here.
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