Your Outbound Exchange: A Year That Lasts a Lifetime

An exchange year is an incredible opportunity for personal growth and adventure.  As Brenna Thorpe, a recent outbound student from our district, put it: “Before I went to Brazil on Rotary Youth Exchange, I would look at the way others did things and say ‘Why are they doing that? It’s weird.’… Now when I see something different, I say, ‘That’s interesting. I want to know why they do it that way.’”

That shift in perspective is what this program is all about.

The Details: How It Works in District 6400

District 6400 proudly partners with Central States Rotary Youth Exchange (CSRYE) to offer world-class long-term exchanges.

What is it? A full academic-year exchange where you will live and study in another country.  This isn’t a vacation year, it is a year that encompasses all aspects of daily life living in another country.  You will go to school, find activities that interest you, spend time with your family, and be part of a community.

Who can apply? We welcome applications from adventurous and open-minded young people between the ages of 15.5 and 18.

What’s involved? Students live with two or three carefully selected host families during the year and are required to attend school and participate in activities with their families and Rotary Club, becoming a true part of the local community.

Are they on their own? While students live with their host families and attend school,  they are also part of a support network of Rotarians that help them along the way.

When do applications open? Applications are open now through the end of October.

APPLY HERE:  https://yehub.net/CEN-obapp

Interviews take place in November, and selections are made after interviews.

How do students get ready for exchange? Once selected for the program, the students participate in regular training to prepare them for exchange.

The Heart of Exchange: Being an Ambassador

Your most important role on exchange is to be an ambassador. You are not just representing yourself; you represent your family, your community, your country, and Rotary. The goal of Rotary Youth Exchange is to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace at the person-to-person level. You are the key to achieving that goal. We are looking for students who are:

• Adaptable and Flexible: Ready to embrace new foods, customs, and ways of life.
• Curious and Open-Minded: Eager to learn and understand a different culture without judgment.
• Resilient: Able to face challenges with a positive attitude and see them as growth opportunities.
• A Great Representative: Willing to share your own culture while respectfully learning about your host culture.

YOUTH EXCHANGE BROCHURE yebrochure

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you are ready for an adventure that will change your life, we want to hear from you. For more information about becoming an outbound exchange student in District 6400, please fill out our interest form to have someone from our team contact you.

Request information  CLICK HERE 

Or if you are ready:   APPLY NOW

Contact Scott Collier   or Carrie Thorpe for more information!