READY TO EMBRACE NEW EXPERIENCES?
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll serve as an ambassador for your country, form lifelong international friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Eligibility
- You must be at least 15.5 years old by September 30 of the year you leave for exchange.
- You cannot be older than 18 by July 31 of the year you return.
- You must not have graduated from high school.
- Be sponsored by a local Rotary club. (Not all areas have a participating club)
- Complete an online application and participate in an in-person interview.
- Provide names and contact information for three potential host families.
Timeline
- June & September: Online information sessions for students and families (register under the Events section at rye5020.org).
- August 1: Applications open for the following academic year.
- October: Interviews with local Rotary Clubs; selections finalized by the end of the month (not all areas have participating clubs).
- November: Complete the district-level application within 3–4 weeks of local selection, due by the third weekend. Families will incur minor costs for medical and dental forms and other tests.
- December (1st Weekend): Mandatory district-level interviews in Victoria, BC. These interviews help us determine the best country placement for you.
- January–April: Online and in-person orientations, including a mandatory inperson student orientation weekend in late April.
- April/May: Visa application process.
- August: Depart for exchange.
- June/July (following year): Return from exchange.
Finances
Rotary’s Youth Exchange program is administered entirely by volunteers, which helps keep program costs low. While the total value of the program is approximately $25,000 USD, this includes school tuition, accommodations, meals, and a modest monthly allowance (approximately $100 USD).
Participants are required to pay a Global Fee, which is paid in four installments beginning in December of theyear you apply. The Global Fee is approximately $9,000 USD (or $12,000 CAD) and is subject to change each year. The final program-year fee will be clearly displayed after your application is submitted.
- Round-trip airfare and visa support via www.iywt.com.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
- Pre- and post-orientations.
- Cultural orientation (e.g., language camp, if required).
- Administrative costs.
- Pimsleur language training.
- Business cards, regalia, hoodie, and other items.
- Spending money, ancillary travel, and tours (Approximatley $4,000 USD)
- A $500 emergency fund held by the host club.
- Visa application fees and any notary/legal costs.
Countries
Rotary District 5020 partners with over 40 Rotary Districts in more than 25 countries worldwide. We prioritize student safety, stability, and overall well-being in every placement.
During the application process, you will be asked to rank your top 15 country preferences. While we strive to place students in one of their top three choices, final placements are made with your success and support as the top priority.
Flexibility is essential. Students must be prepared to be placed anywhere in our partner countries. If you are strongly focused on only one country, this program may not be the right fit. Setting realistic expectations early is important.
If you are open-minded, adaptable, and curious, this program offers an incredible life-changing experience.
Typical host countries include (availability varies each year):
Argentina/Paraguay, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Denmark, Finland/Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand.