Every year
approximately 7,000 students ages 15 to 19 go abroad under the auspices of
the Rotary Youth Exchange program, either for the academic year or an extended
period of time. The increased self awareness and global perspective which
they derive from the experience would not be possible without the commitment
of the many volunteer host families and the dedication of those Rotarians
who serve as youth exchange officers. This year about
7,000 young people will see the world the way it is best seen - from the inside
out- through the youth exchange program. This could be your year! As a Rotary
Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year or perhaps just an extended
period of time, living with a host family in a country other than your own.
You may learn a new language; you will learn a new way of living and a great
deal about yourself. But there’s more! While you are busy learning , the people
you meet will be learning as well - about your country, your culture and your
ideas. You will be a young ambassador. You will be helping to bring the world
closer together- and you’ll be making some good friends in the process. If you are ready
for the challenge- and the rewards of living in another land as an exchange
student, then you are ready to discover new worlds through Rotary’s Youth
Exchange program. Each year, local
Rotary districts and clubs worldwide arrange thousands of international youth
exchanges for high school-aged students. A primary goal of the program is
to foster world understanding by way of intercultural exchange. 1.
Long term exchanges: usually last for an academic year, during which the student
lives with more than one family and attends school in the host country. 2. Short
term exchanges: vary from several days to several weeks. They often take place
when school is not in session and usually do not include an academic program.
Short term exchanges usually involve a stay with host family however they
can also be organized as international youth camps, which bring together students
from many different countries.
