Youth Exchange and Life Leadership
Life Leadership Conference (aka RYLA) 
The Rotary District 6290 Life Leadership Conference, (LLC), is a premier leadership development program of Rotary designed for high school students who want to learn new leadership skills, build confidence, and have fun. It is held nearby over a long weekend in early June and scholarships are available.
By participating, students can:
- Build communication, conflict management, and problem solving skills
- Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in a global context
- Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
- Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action and make a difference
- Have lots of FUN with new friends!
Be an Exchange Student 
Each year our local Rotary Clubs sponsor students to live and attend school in a foreign country for 11 months, August to July. It is open to students ages 15-18, with above average grades, and a desire to learn a language and explore other cultures. Students generally apply in September to go on exchange the next academic year. You and your parents are guided through months of orientation and information about the country of your exchange year. Students typically stay with two or three Rotary-approved families and receive a monthly stipend for incidental expenses. You are required to attend school in your host country. You will learn about other cultures, about other people and about yourself.
The application process to be an exchange student starts 12 months BEFORE an August departure. If you plan to study abroad, you should apply in September the year before you plan to depart. Contact any Rotarian for more information.
Host an Exchange Student
We host students in Traverse City each year from around the world. They live as part of two or three different families and attend a local high school.
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 any Rotarian.