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

2. 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 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

3. 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.

4. 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!

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

6. Qualifications of a Rotary Youth Exchange student
High school student age /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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

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

12. Rotary Contact Information Long Term & Short-Term Programs Anais Watsky , , or