Rotary Youth Exchange

What is Rotary Youth Exchange?
Rotary Youth Exchange has a goal to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person to person level and is for high school aged students, aged 16-18, interested in living and studying abroad for one year. Each year, starting in 2002, Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary Club has sponsored inbound exchange students as part of the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program, and at least one outbound exchange student. The Youth Exchange Program provides young people an invaluable opportunity to experience other cultures. It makes a lifelong impact on their lives, and we are thrilled to participate actively in the program. Our inbound students join us at our weekly programs and update us on their experience. Our outbound students join us before their travels abroad, and while away send us marvelous updates via e-mail that are shared with club members. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TCRotaryYE

How can I become a Rotary Youth Exchange Student?
Rotary Outbound Exchange provides students between the ages of 16 and 18 the opportunity of a lifetime! Its a chance to spend 11 months in another country learning the language and culture. Students generally apply in September to go on exchange the next academic year. Outbound students and their parents are guided through months of orientation and information about the country of their exchange year. Outbound students typically stay with two or three Rotary-approved families and receive a monthly stipend for incidental expenses.  Rotary Youth Exchange outbound students need to be above average students who are eager for the chance to try new things and meet new people. You will learn about other cultures, about other people and about yourself.

The application process to be an outbound 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.

How can I host an amazing student?
We encourage community members to consider hosting these outstanding young people. The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides a year-long exchange opportunity, and we seek to place the students with three different host families -- each family welcomes the student for around three months. 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.' It isn't unusual to find that they seek a similar exchange opportunity as soon as they are eligible. Contact us today if you're interested in hosting a student!