GO ABROAD
Go Abroad!
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens.
Exchanges for students 15 to 18 years old are sponsored by 20 different Rotary clubs within District 5400 (Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon), and hundreds of other clubs throughout the world.
Why go on exchange?
Among the many reasons to go on exchange, students will
- Learn a new language
- Experience and integrate into a new culture
- Bolster their resume for future academic and professional pursuits
- Become more self-sufficient
- Make lifelong friends from around the globe
- Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term
exchanges last a full academic year (as long as 11 months), and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term
exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session. District 5400 organizes short term exchanges in the summer that last for about 30 days, with an agreement to host a student for another 30 days.
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Students will be responsible for the cost airfare, travel insurance, travel documents, spending money, and any additional travel or tours. The Long-term exchanges will cost our students between $6,000 and $9,000, depending on the additional tours that students opt to include. The Short-term exchanges are currently being launched in District 5400 and prices are not set at this point.
More than an exchange: an ambassadorship
When you become an exchange student through Rotary, we consider you an Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador or Scholar. This is more than an exchange or travel program: you are representing your country, your city, your local Rotary, and your family. This is important and empowering, and you can use this experience as a keystone for future education, scholarship, or employment applications.
Becoming a Rotary Youth Exchange Scholar is a competitive process. And while students contribute money to go on exchange, Rotary volunteers and Rotary clubs put a tremendous amount of time and money into this program without return compensation. The total value of a long-term exchange like this is over $25,000, which is what you could expect to pay for other programs.
Learn more about Long-term Exchange
Download the informational document we have for District 5400. This provides more details for you to consider.
DOWNLOAD INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENT
Apply for Long-term Exchange
Ready to move toward exchange? Fill out the preliminary application for long-term exchange.
Explore Short-term Exchange
Ready for a summer adventure? Check out our Short-term Exchange program (STEP).
