Program Information
Spending time is a once in a lifetime experience. Your exchange will encompass different phases that will give you opportunities to grow in new ways and experience a new culture and ideas.
The purpose of the Rotary Youth Exchange program is to provide secondary school students with the opportunity to travel abroad, live with a host family, and experience life firsthand in a different country, school, and social environment. Exchange students will gain lifelong advantages through an expanded world view and greater appreciation of the world.
For more information, read A Primer for Exchange Students on the Rotary International site.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be the child of a Rotarian to apply?
The applicant may be, but is not required to be a son or daughter of a Rotarian.
Where should I go if I am a vegetarian?
Vegetarians may choose India, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand only. Our exchange countries will not accommodate vegan requirements.
How old do I have to be to apply?
Each country has different age restrictions. See the age restrictions section for more information.
Will there be language training?
Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Russia, Chile, Sweden, and Japan may require language camp upon arrival in host country (at student’s expense). List may be subject to change. France requires French language proficiency (you must take the French Language Proficiency test on Interview Day).
Are there any restrictions if I have tattoos or piercings?
France does not accept candidates who have tattoos/piercings.
Countries and Age Requirements
Rotary District 5950/5960 Youth Exchange of Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin currently exchanges with many different countries around the world. No matter what your tastes or interests, we probably have a country that will work for you.
Listed below are the countries (subject to change) with which we anticipate exchanging during 2008-2009. Following the country is the maximum age that a candidate may be as of departure, expressed in years/months. Some of the countries that list 18/6 as the maximum age may consider older candidates. This will be determined on an individual basis. No candidate who will become 19 years of age on or prior to a country’s anticipated departure date will be considered. (Note: the receiving country has the option to determine the approximate departure date. Most students depart in July or August.)
NOTE: The actual list of countries that our district exchanges with may differ from the list below.
Africa Exchange Programs
South Africa (18, 6 months)
Asia Exchange Programs
India (19)
Japan (19)
Russia (18)
South Korea (19)
Taiwan (19)
Thailand (18, 11 months)
Australia Exchange Programs
New Zealand (17)
Europe Exchange Programs
Austria (18)
Belgium (age TBD)
Czech Republic (age TDB)
Denmark (17, 11 months)
Finland (18, 6 months)
France (18, 6 months)
Germany (18)
Italy (18)
Lithuania (18, 6 months)
Norway (18)
Poland (17)
Slovakia (17)
Spain (18, 6 months)
Sweden (18, 11 months)
Switzerland (18)
Turkey (18)
North America Exchange Programs
Mexico (18, 6 months)
South America Exchange Programs
Argentina (18)
Brazil (19)
Chile (18)
Ecuador (18, 6 months)
Paraguay (18, 6 months)
Timetable and Procedures
March
Rotary clubs schedule promotion programs in high schools and the community.
April – October
Youth Exchange promotion is conducted in schools, youth groups, newspapers, direct mail, etc. Contact the Rotex president to schedule a speaker for your Rotary club or high school (see Committee stationery, in this manual).
September – October
Outbound candidates submit completed applications to club.
November 1 – 8
Local Rotary club interviews outbound candidates.
November 9
Submit the applications of all qualified candidates to the District Youth Exchange Office.
Submit the Inbound Student Request/Participation Form and the Club Certificate of Intent for Hosting an Inbound Student if you have not already done so. These forms are located in the front (left) pocket of this manual.
November 12 – 16
District appointments are made for final interviews with outbound candidates.
December 5
District interviews are held. Final selection will be determined at a subsequent meeting of the District Youth Exchange Committee (DYEC). The DYEC has final approval of any and all youths selected for this program.
December 22
All applicants and their sponsor club exchange officers are notified by mail of the results of District interviews.
2010 Outbound Orientations Sessions for Candidates Accepted into Program
Sessions must be attended by outbound candidate and parents – Roseville Area Middle School.
- Saturday, January 23, 2010 – First orientation session – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 20, 2010 – Second orientation session – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 13, 2010 – Third orientation session – 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Welcome Home Celebration!
For all returning outbound students and their parents, Rotex, and Youth Exchange Committee. Time and location to be announced. Dates are:
- August 7, 2010 – for all returning 2009-2010 outbound students and their parents.
- August 6, 2011 – for all returning 2010-2011 outbound students and their parents.