How to Become a Rotary Exchange Student

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 school counsellor, 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. Make sure you viist the countries.

If your excitement level is starting to build, then it's time to look at the Initial Application Form 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.

The application deadline each year is the 30th March, for a departure in January the following 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.

Information meetings

Next, you and your parents should plan to attend one of our information meetings, held during the spring and summer in various locations around the District. The schedule and location of meetings can be found on the Information Evening page. Those information 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.

There will be past exchange students, current exchange students as well as parents and others in volved in the program

Select a date and location that work for you, and register to attend one of the sessions.

If you don't see a meeting in your area, contact the Youth Exchange Chairman. The 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!