A Study-abroad Opportunity for Young People

Share your own culture, embrace a new one

Host an Exchange Student in Your Home

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

 

Globally minded

Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.

A commitment to youth

Rotary maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Besides Youth Exchange, Rotary clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.
Rotary is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in its programs, including Youth Exchange.

Low costs

Rotary club volunteers administer the program at the local level, which helps keep costs low for students and their families. These volunteers often offer years of experience with students, host families, and fellow Rotarians who are involved in the program.

Who is a Rotary Youth Exchange Student?

During the student’s exchange year, they will meet many people who only know their home country through the lens of a movie or TV camera. As an exchange student, one of the student’s roles is to help people change these misconceptions. To do that, the student must understand our country, our culture, our government, and our politics. 

A Rotary Youth Exchange student is an “Ambassador”, and as an “Ambassador”  the student should remember this is a 24/7 job for the entire exchange. There will be challenges and rewards. Others have gone before and left an imprint — the imprint the student leaves may be a lasting one!  If the student before was a great exchange student, then keep up the good work and even take it to another level of positive impression. If the student in the prior year had some challenges, then consider investing energy in restoring trust and goodwill for yourself, and all future RYE students you represent!

The Student’s Skills, Knowledge and Attitude are important. They will have many roles & responsibilities. As an Ambassador, the student represents:

  • Country – The United States 
  • State –  State of Oregon
  • Local Community
  • Sponsor District Ambassador for Rotary District 5100
  • Sponsor Club AmbassadorAmba
  • Rotary International and Rotary Youth Exchange
  • Family
  • S E L F !

Learn more about what Rotary International is and why Rotarians are making a difference in the world.

Link to Rotary International Overview