Youth ExchangeExposure to different cultures ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote international understanding and peace. The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides thousands of young students with the opportunity to meet people from other countries and to experience new cultures, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.

The program offers numerous benefits to its young participants and their Rotarian hosts and mentors, as well as to the community at large. Through Youth Exchange, students learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As their concept of the world expands, they mature and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Immersion in another country’s educational system enhances their academic and personal growth. Host clubs and families and the entire community are enriched by extended, friendly contact with someone from a different culture.

We welcome boys and girls between the ages of 15.5 and 18 to come study and be a part of our community in District 6400.

District 6400 coordinates Long-term exchanges in conjunction with Central States Rotary Youth Exchange.  These exchanges usually last one year, during which the student lives with more than one family in the host country and is required to attend school there. Long-term exchanges may be extended to include part or all of the holiday/vacation periods immediately before and after the academic year.

YE Committee  District Contacts

District Chairman –  Stephanie Winger

Finance –  PDG Paul Sincock

District Youth Protection Officer/Trainer – Bill Scott

Events Chairperson – Eric Joy

Outbound Coordinator– Wendy Parsons

Outbound Coordinator– Greg DeHetre

Youth Advisor – Shaelynne VanOorschot-Fowler

Making peace, one exchange student at a time

Learn more about exchange opportunities through Rotary Do you have a Rotary Youth Exchange story?

If you have a story from your year abroad, if your experience as a member of a host family changed your life, if you met new friends and professional connections through your alumni association, tell us about it! Send your story to youthexchange@rotary.org. It could be featured in this newsletter or on the Rotary Voices blog.