Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime for the more than 8,000 students who participate each year. By sharing your own culture and embracing a new one, you help foster global understanding—and learn a great deal about yourself and your home country in the process.
What is a Rotary Youth Exchange?
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs.
Who It’s For
Exchanges are for people ages 15–19 who:
- Have demonstrated leadership in their school and community
- Are flexible and willing to try new things
- Are open to cultural differences
- Can serve as an ambassador for their own country
How much does it cost?
Costs vary from country to country. Local Rotary clubs generously host students and provide room and board with a host family and a small monthly stipend. Participants are generally responsible for:
- Round-trip airfare
- Insurance
- Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
- Spending money, additional travel, and tour fees
Can I host an exchange student?
Hosting an exchange student can be an incredibly rewarding experience for your family, providing an international experience without leaving home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. Rotary membership is NOT required to be a host family.
Contact us if you have questions or would like more information about serving as a host family.
Elica Perez, 2025-2026 Exchange Student to Turkey from McCaskey High School