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Rotary Youth
Exchange
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District 5190 ●
California/Nevada |
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Am I eligible to be a Rotary exchange student?The Rotary Youth Exchange program is open to high school students, or those who have just graduated, between the ages of 15 and 18½ on departure. It does not matter whether your parents are members of a Rotary Club - the program is open to children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike. Exchange student candidates must be outgoing, self-confident, friendly, adaptable, and adventurous, willing to learn a foreign language, with above average grades in school. The application form will require you to tell about yourself and your family, and provide references from school teachers and administrators. Back to TopWhat is the exchange program?Rotary offers two types of exchanges for high school students. For a truly amazing, life-changing experience, there is nothing like the long-term exchange. Students spend a year in another country, becoming fluent in the language and immersed in the culture, and developing friendships that will last a lifetime. Participants attend high school, and may or may not get credit back home for courses taken (but colleges often recognize the value of exchange programs, with credit for language ability and greater acceptance rates!). Each student will have up to four (or more) host families through the year, to broaden the experience and see the variations that exist in all cultures. It takes a very special teen to consider him or herself capable of spending a year abroad, but the rewards and experiences are unlike anything you may ever know again. If you think you can do this, don't let the opportunity pass you by. Back to TopDo I get to choose my country?A very popular question. And the answer is, ... yes and no. . . Over the years, we have built relationships with out exchange counterparts. The countries we exchange with are those we know run top-quality programs, and we re-evaluate them each year. There are a limited number of exchanges available with each country, and we will not overload any country in either direction. Therefore, for long-term students, we ask you to select preferred countries, and we allow you to refuse any countries that you would not accept for your exchange. The vast majority of students will get one of their choices. But remember, flexibility is a vital characteristic for a successful exchange student, and that starts right at the beginning. And take note of this: When a student goes to a country that they did not choose, they come home thanking us for sending them to that country. Back to TopDo I have to know another language?That depends upon where you go for your exchange. Some countries require some ability in their language. Others do not. Naturally, it would help to have some familiarity with the language of the country you go to. But we don't limit the program to those who are already bi-lingual. In fact, one of the great benefits of the long-term program is quickly gaining fluency in another language. Typically, our students become fluent in 3-4 months, even without any previous knowledge of the language! But we strongly recommend that all participants start learning their target language as soon as they are selected for the program. The more of the language you know up front, the better your experience will be. Back to TopWill I get school credit for my exchange year?This is always a tough question because it varies from school to school and country to country. You should sit down with your school counselors when you apply and when you know what country you are going to for your year. Pre-planning makes a big difference. If you have question contact your Youth Exchange Officer or the District YE Chairman. Back to TopIs there any future advantage to being a Rotary Exchange Student?Yes! Past history has indicated that having the Rotary Exchange year on your college application carries more weight in many cases than your GPA, class ranking, or even SAT or ACT score. Colleges are looking for students that are going to successfully complete their studies and graduate. By completing a full year exchange in another culture you are showing them that you have the "right stuff". Future employers will take similar views of your year's experience, not to mention the benefits of becoming bi-lingual or bi-cultural! Back to TopWhat if I have problems during my exchange?The design of the Rotary Exchange program is such that if you have problems we have the resources to help you solve the problems, starting with a Rotary Club right in the community in which you are living. You will have multiple avenues of help available to you to resolve any problem that might come up. Rotary International and the Rotarians of District 5190 take very seriously our responsibility for the safety and security of all Rotary exchange students, both inbound and outbound. In November, 2002, the Board of Directors of Rotary International adopted the following Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth:
Back to TopDo my parents have to host an inbound student?Parents of outbound students are not required to host. Many, of course, choose to do so, partly because they have an empty room, but also so they can experience some of what their son or daughter is going through. We encourage that, but we also recognize that not all families are able to host. We do ask outbound students and their families to help find host families in their own communities, to accommodate the inbound student that will be hosted by their Rotary Club. Back to TopOK, bottom line, what does it cost?Probably a lot less than you think. You see, Rotarians are all volunteers, so there are no salaries or commissions paid to the people who administer this program. It does cost money, though, to make the arrangements, present the orientations, provide student materials and supplies, etc. And, of course, there's airfare, insurance, and other travel expenses. Here is a breakdown by program: You must submit a non-refundable fee of $500 with your application in order to be considered for the program. If accepted, the cost for the Long Term (one year) program is $4,350.(The $500 fee is a part of the $4,350, and is subject to change each year.) This includes your round trip airfare, Rotary-approved medical insurance, visa costs, orientations, your Rotary blazer, pins, business cards, and other supplies, and the cost of language camp in those countries that require it. The cost is the same regardless of destination - that way, you can go to the country that you most desire and are best suited for, without comparing airfares (Note: if you don't already have a passport, you will need to obtain one, at your own expense). In the Long Term Program, Rotary exchange students are provided with a monthly allowance from their host Rotary club. This is usually the equivalent of between $50 and $100 US, but may vary by location. If you want or need spending money beyond that, it is up to you and your parents to provide it. Of course, you do not have to pay for room and board, school fees, etc. Long Term students are also required to deposit an Emergency Fund with their host Rotary Club. Usually $300 in cash. This money is there for unexpected expenses (medical, dental, telephone, etc.), and, if it is used during the year, it must be replenished by you or your parents. If it is not used, it is returned to you at the end of the year. To summarize, then, the Long Term program costs are $500 with the application, an additional $3,500 paid on a schedule to be provided, a $300 Emergency Fund to be taken with you, and whatever additional spending money you and your parents agree on. Back to TopHow do I apply?All applications must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club, so it's important that you make contact with a club in your area. If, however, you don't know a local Rotarian, or if you'd like help in this task, you can send an email to info@rye5190.org . We will follow up with you, or refer you to someone in your area to get you on the right track. After you are selected by your local Rotary Club, you and at least one parent will be required to attend a Briefing Meeting. At that meeting you will learn more about the program, and will receive information on how to fill in the full application, and information about the required District Interviews. Several weeks after the District Interviews, you will find out if you have been accepted as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Back to TopWhat else do I need to know?Well, you might want to take a look at the Ten Commandments for Rotary Exchange Students. The Rotary International web site also has some of the most frequently asked questions about Rotary's Youth Exchange program. You might find the answer to your question among them. Or you can contact the District 5190 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. Back to TopWhat if we just want to host an inbound student?Rotary Clubs are always looking for potential host families. If you'd like to enrich your family's experience by bringing in a Rotary exchange student, contact your local Rotary Club, or send an email to info@rye5190.org And thanks so much for your interest! Back to TopWhat are the responsibilities of a host family?To accept the exchange student as a new member of your family. The student will be governed not only by the rules of the program but by the rules of your household. You are responsible for the safety of the exchange student the same as for your own children. Although you might become a bit more of the soccer mom or dad for normal everyday activities, it is not your responsibility to act as a taxi service or a tour guide. Rotarians for the hosting club will be helping in these areas. Back to Top
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