For those interested in learning a new language and meeting new people, the Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime. More than 8,000 students participate worldwide each year. They share their culture and embrace a new one, helping foster global understanding—and learning a great deal about themselves and their home country in the process.

What is a Rotary Youth Exchange?

Each year our local Rotary Clubs sponsor students to live and attend school in a foreign country for 11 months, August to July. Students generally apply in September to go on exchange the next academic year. The student and their parents are guided through months of orientation and information about the country of their exchange year. Students typically stay with two or three Rotary-approved families. You are required to attend school in your host country. The student will learn about other cultures, about other people, and about themselves.

Is an exchange right for me?

Exchanges are for people ages 15–19 who:

• Have demonstrated leadership in their school and community

• Are flexible and willing to try new things

• Are open to cultural differences

• Can serve as an ambassador for their own country

How much does it cost?

Costs vary from country to country. Local Rotary clubs generously host students and provide room and board with a host family and a small monthly stipend. Participants are generally responsible for

• Round-trip airfare

• Insurance

• Travel documents (such as passports and visas)

• Spending money, additional travel, and tour fees

How can I apply?

Contact the Youth Exchange Officer Jessica Caruso at jessica.caruso@merjent.com.

Can I host an exchange student?

We host students from around the world in Traverse City each year. They live as part of 2 or 3 different families and attend a local high school. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. We encourage community members to consider hosting these outstanding young people. While it might not be the same as visiting another country, the experience of hosting a student enriches the lives of the 'host-sister' and 'host-brother.' Your family will most likely establish relationships with the exchange students that last your lifetime.

The Rotary Clubs in Traverse City began their support of Rotary International's Youth Exchange Program by sponsoring inbound students in the mid 1990's. If you are interested in more information about hosting, please contact Jessica Caruso at jessica.caruso@merjent.com.