IT’S that time of the year!  Your club can commit to hosting a inbound student or sponsor a outbound student.  Download  Commitment Form for 2024

Youth Exchange

Youth Exchange
Exposure 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.

image-11District Youth Exchange Chair Wendy Parson says:     “There is nothing more inspiring than to see a group of students leave their comfort zone and travel to a new country  to learn a new culture and gain a lifetime of experiences in a year.

Students between the ages of 16 and 18 1/2 leave/arrive every year in August on their exchange and attend school, gain a new family and friends, assist in local Rotary projects and become a part of a community. They leave a lasting impression about their culture on everyone they meet and bring understanding of ours to another country. They are truly global Ambassadors.

You do not have to be a Rotarian to accept a student into your home. It will bring you a way to experience the world and to share our culture and provide understanding to a member of another culture. If you would like to become part of this experience contact your local Rotary Club or complete a host family application at http://yehub.net//CEN-hfapp .