Rotary Youth Exchange “Promoting Global Peace and Understanding, One Person, One Exchange At A Time!”

What is Rotary? Rotary is a non-profit international service organization Formed in 1905 by four men in Chicago It has now grown to over 1.2 million members in over 170+ countries Rotary Motto: “Service Above Self” Rotary structure World wide -- 530 Districts/ 32,000 Clubs Greater Houston Area – Rotary District 5890 62 Rotary clubs; approximately 3,000 Rotarians Rotary notable projects Polio Plus Children of the Dump

What is Rotary Youth Exchange? Exchange program for high school students Each year, more than 8,000 exchange students from over 80 countries travel abroad through Rotary.

Live in another culture! Why Become an Exchange Student?!?!? Become more confident! Live in another culture! Make lifelong friends! Learn to adapt! Represent America! Learn another language! Learn to think independently and creatively! Promote World Peace!

Why Rotary Youth Exchange is #1 Careful interviews Thorough orientations Local support group (local Rotary club) Activities provided by Rotary Low cost

Qualifications of a Rotary Youth Exchange student High school student age 16-18 1/2 Excellent student Willingness to adapt, learn a new language, and learn a new culture Initiative to get involved in activities Willingness to speak to groups Attitude of giving to others

Youth Exchange Program Summary Short Term Program Long Term Program One on one exchange during the summer with another student in Northern hemisphere No school attendance Hosted by exchange students’ families Normally 3 to 4 weeks in each country Not limited on number of students who participate Full academic school year Hosted by two to three families Supported by host Rotary Club, counselor, and committee Limited in number of students Our district is looking for approx. 20 students from the greater Houston area

Potential Country Options Western Europe France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain Sweden, Eastern Europe Poland Asia Japan, S. Korea Taiwan, Thailand S. America Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay

Cost Short term program – approximately $2,000 Long term program – $6,000 Major costs – airfare and insurance Long term cost figure lessens when you consider today’s costs that will not be incurred abroad: Car insurance Food Etc. Host Rotary club provides ~$100 + / month allowance

Key Dates Thurs., Oct. 25 – Info Meetings Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) Tues., October 30 – Club Applications due Sat., Nov.3– Club Interviews, at NAM December 1, 2 (Saturday and Sunday) - District 5890 interviews - Overnight Christmas party with other applicants and inbound students from across the world O Exchange candidate is first interviewed by the local Rotary club. If the application is approved, then the student is interviewed at the district level. O Orientation for a short-term exchange lasts approximately 4 hours. Students going on a long-term exchange attend a 5 day camp in Texas during June. O Rotary club members are available to provide support and activities for inbound student. O Cost is 1/3 to 1/2 of other programs because it is non-profit and administered by volunteers who have a love for the program.

District 5890 Former Exchange Students! 17 Inbound exchange students (13 countries) 20 Outbound exchange students  8 Short-term exchanges

Rotary Contact Information Long Term & Short-Term Programs Anais Watsky 281-370-4200, 281-467-9449, or awatsky@yahoo.com