Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange Changes Lives

Whether you're a student or a host family,
Rotary Youth Exchange opens doors, opportunities and minds.
 
 
 
APPLICATIONS FOR  ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE - LONG-TERM PROGRAM -
AUG 2025-JUNE 2026 -   are now open
 
APPLICATIONS FOR  SHORT-TERM FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
SUMMER EXCHANGES will open January 1, 2025
 

Whether you participate in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 90 countries and over 10,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

Globally minded

Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.4 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.

EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES 

Long Term Exchange

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.

Wanted… Youth Ambassadors between the ages of 15.5 and not yet 18 (at the time of departure) who have a sincere desire to:

  • Practice and grow your leadership skills

  • Form international friendships

  • Learn new ways to communicate

  • Gain a fresh understanding of yourself and others

  • Immerse yourself in a different culture

  • Appreciate others’ ways of doing things

  • And act as an ambassador for and educate others about your country

Applications for August 2025- June 2026 will open May 1, 2024, and close November 25, 2024.

More Information Long Term Exchange
Short Term Exchange

The short-term exchange program (STEP) is a reciprocal family-to-family exchange for students between the ages of 15-19 at the time of the exchange. It offers students the opportunity to gain international understanding while becoming familiar with another culture. The exchange takes place over the summer months.

All countries that take part in exchange must meet strict guidelines to be certified by Rotary International and all host situations must be approved to ensure the safety of our students.

If you are outgoing, adaptable, friendly, bright, well spoken and generally a good ambassador for Canada and Rotary and looking for an enriching short-term exchange; this program may be the answer.

More Information Short Term Exchange

BECOMING A HOST FAMILY

 

Any caring and responsible family with an interest in hosting a young person from another land can be a tremendous host family! The best host families are really just normal families and they don’t fall into any one, easy-to-define category.

  • Families do not need to be affiliated with Rotary to host Rotary Exchange Students.

  • Families with small children make great host families because young children get the experience of having a big brother or sister and the exchange students often enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of practicing their language skills with a younger child.

  • “Empty Nesters” or retired couples are good too because they can have more time to spend with their student than younger parents do and they often enjoy having a young person around the house.

  • Families with high school age children are good because host brothers and sisters can quickly get the student involved in school and community activities.

Rotary differs from many international exchange programs in that our students generally live with three or more families during their exchange year. This gives the student a more well-rounded experience in a culture, having experienced family life from at least three different perspectives. It is also less of a commitment for host families; the typical length of stay is about three to four months instead of a full year.

Contact RYE Team

 

 
 
Contact RYE Committee by email:  Click Here
 
CLUB MEMBERS:  For Club Documents regarding Youth Exchange, login to District 5360 website - www.Rotary5360.ca,  Member area - Organization/District Committees/Standing Committees -  password required
 
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
 
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
 
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
 
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong. In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.