Rotary Youth Exchange — Cultural Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange is a cultural exchange sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries for students ages 15–19. Participants learn another language and culture while living abroad.

Long-term participants attend a local school and live with multiple host families for a full academic year; short-term formats use camps, tours, or homestays. Applications and available destinations are handled by the applicant’s local Rotary club.

Benefits & funding

Room, board, and school fees are provided.
Long-term exchanges cover a full academic year with local school attendance and several host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and may take the form of camps, tours, or homestays outside the school term.
Students are usually responsible for return airfare, travel insurance, passports or visas, spending money, and optional travel or tours.

Eligibility

Applicants must be students ages 15–19.
Rotary describes candidates as leaders in their schools and communities.
Rotary International publishes no central nationality, residency, gender, or academic-field restriction; the local club determines which exchanges are available.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Education required
High School
Age requirement
15–19 yrs

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Application process

1
Find and contact the Rotary club serving your area.
2
Ask which long- or short-term exchanges are available and request that club’s application process and dates.
3
Follow the local club or district’s selection and travel-preparation requirements.

Program timeline

Local schedule
Application deadlines, selection dates, departure, and return dates vary by club or district; Rotary International publishes no central calendar.