1. Renton Rotary
Youth Exchange

2. Welcome About your speakers today: Name
Club/Profession/Years in Rotary
Personal Exchange Program Experience

3. What is Rotary?
Rotary International is a Service Club working at local and international levels in free countries.
1.2 Million members in 32,000 clubs worldwide
Local Projects: RotaCare Clinic, Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank, Coats for Kids, Dictionaries for 3rd Graders, Scholarships
International Projects: Polio Plus, Clean Water, Humanitarian Aid, Youth Exchange, Peace Scholars

4. Rotary Youth Exchange The First Rotary Youth Exchange was in 1927
8,000 students participate every year
Approximately 80 Countries worldwide
There are Three Ways to Join the Fun:
Full Year Program
Summer Program
Host Family for visiting students

5. Benefits of Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange allows students to
Meet people from other countries and experience their culture firsthand
Gain a better understanding of the basic needs we all share and the diversity that makes each culture unique

6. Full Year Exchange Program
Spend a full school year abroad
Attend high school for duration of exchange
Must be age 15 ½ - 17 at time of departure
Seniors are NOT eligible – No “Gap Year”
Live with one or more host families
Attend Rotary meetings/events of host club
Make friendships that last a lifetime
Returning students attribute their experience as “The best year of my life!”

7. Full Year Program Cost
Fixed price for program is $5, – includes roundtrip airfare, travel insurance, VISA documents
Emergency Fund of $ – must be replenished if used during exchange
Spending Money – gifts for host clubs and families
Passport – order one now if you don’t have one
Room and board are provided by hosts – makes Rotary program affordable
Most countries provide student with modest monthly allowance
Total Average Cost: $5, $6,000.00

8. Full Year Exchange Notes
Credits may or may not be transferrable – talk to your counselor
Application process is competitive:
Foreign language a plus
Above average grades
Aware of current affairs, politics, history
Good ambassador for school, community, country
Active in school, community – sports, volunteerism
Agree to abide by rules
Your parents agree to host or help find a host family

9. Summer Exchange Program
Family to Family exchange – your family must agree to host student
Spend 3-6 Weeks abroad with exchange partner’s family
Your family hosts your exchange partner for 3-6 weeks
Must be age 15 ½ - 18 at time of departure
Seniors ARE eligible
Attend Rotary meetings/events of host club if invited

10. Summer Program Cost Price of roundtrip airfare approximately $1,500.00
Travel Insurance Policy is $150.00
Application fee is $100.00
Spending money
Passport, VISA’s, travel documents
Room and board is provided by host country
Approximate cost $1, $2,000.00

11. Summer Program Notes Application Process is competitive:
Foreign language a plus
Above average grades
Aware of current affairs, politics, history
Good ambassador for school, community, country
Student must be active in school and community – sports, volunteerism
Comfortable away from family for extended time
Responsible and mature
Agree to abide by rules
Parents or relatives must host your exchange partner

12. Countries
Applicant can submit top 3 choices but destination is not always guaranteed
Full Year: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, India, Thailand, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan
Summer: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Japan, Sweden, Mexico, Poland, Norway, Great Britain

13. More Countries
Other countries may be possible if they have Rotary districts with an approved Youth Exchange program and allow students to exchange during August – July timeframe.
Most Southern Hemisphere countries are not possible for our district to exchange with because their summer vacation occurs during our school year. This includes Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Africa and S. America.

14. Application Process Application Timeline is available on our website
Reserve an interview time
Submit substantially completed application
Attend club level interview with both parents in November
Successful students attend district level interview with both parents in December
Students accepted into program will be notified of ther destinations in March or April
Travel arrangements are made April – May
Summer exchanges take place Late June – August
Full Year exchanges depart mid August

15. Become a Host Family
Promote Peace and Understanding without travelling!
Host an inbound student for 3-4 months of their exchange
Learn about a new culture and gain a brother or sister
Student becomes a member of your family
Host family is expected to provide room and board, transportation to school, incidental expenses
Rotary does not provide a stipend to host families
All adults living in the home must pass a background check

16. Meet an Exchange Student
Today you have the opportunity to hear from a current or former Rotary Youth Exchange student who will share their experiences with you.
Name
Home Country
School

17. Questions Interested in Rotary Youth Exchange?
Have a question for your presenter?
Go ahead and raise your hand!
THANK YOU!