Youth Exchange
PROGRAM INFORMATION
For more than 40 years, Rotary Youth Exchange has been one of Rotary’s best-known programs. As an official program, it dates to 1975 — but by that time, Rotary clubs had already been sending students abroad for decades with the aim of promoting international understanding and friendship.What the program offers to and asks of participants — an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living — are the same values that define Rotary itself.
Who can apply?
Any boy or girl may apply if the age criteria in the following are met.
Applicants:
- Should be in Years 9, 10 or 11 in the year they make application. Students must be enrolled in secondary education. No student who has completed year 12 shall be eligible for this program.
- Must be 15 and not have turned 18 at the time of departure. For planning purposes, this should be taken as 1 January in the year of departure. Actual departure is mid-January.
- Should be making sound academic progress at school and preferably be in the top one third of their year group academically.
- Must demonstrate a mature and resilient approach to solving problems.
- Should also have an interest in people and places.
- Should also have a good general knowledge of Australia, its history, political system, socio-economic policies, and its involvement in international affairs. Applicants must have displayed high standards of personal conduct and attitudes which reflect and are widely accepted in the community.
- Must have an outgoing personality and be interested in cultural and/or outdoor pursuits.
- In most cases, be prepared to learn another language.
Essentially, Rotary is looking for young people who will act as personal ambassadors for their families, sponsor communities and District 9510.
Application Process?
Applications for Long Term Youth Exchange will open in the new year and close 30th April with a departure in January of the following year. All applicants willing to proceed, will complete Stage 1 of the Application then together with their parents, will be interviewed by a local Rotary Club prepared to sponsor a student. This is a very important relationship for the Exchange to occur, so if you have any existing connections with a local Rotary club, it is suggested you make enquiries about sponsorship with them.
Unfortunately, there may be a limit placed on the number of students that can be sent overseas each year due to the declining number of clubs wishing to be involved in the program compared with the number of applications received.
Once approved by a sponsoring club, you will then be required to complete Stage 2 of the Application before a further interview by District 9510 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee.
The Application provides the following details for a potential host Rotary club:
- Personal particulars and background
- General information relating to the applicant
- Applicant's school activities
- Principal's report
- Medical and dental reports
- Endorsement of sponsoring Rotary club and district
- Guarantee form signed by applicant and parents
- Parental/guardian release form
Rotary is subject to the principle of Reciprocity. Reciprocity of exchange is accepted instead of payment of tuition fees. This means for every Outbound Student sent overseas we need to balance that with an Inbound Student from another country. For this reason, the sponsoring Rotary club might insist your family host or find a host for an Inbound Student for at least one term as part of their sponsorship.
Successful applicants will have their application sent to an overseas Rotary District Committee for their consideration and acceptance.
Program Costs
The total cost of your 12-month Exchange varies depending on the country of exchange, your departure location, and your personal budget. Below is a broad outline of costs, to give you a general idea.
The Rotary Fee will be approx. $8,800 to $9,500 (subject to Airfare fluctuations), and includes:
- Administration expenses
- Initial Briefing & Training
- 2nd Briefing/Training
- Return airfares, as arranged by Rotary, to the country of exchange
- Travel Advice
- Visa Fees
- Personal/Travel Insurance, as defined by Rotary International
- Manuals including printed & electronic
- Debrief on Return
- Rotary Apparel
- Business Cards
Rotary also provides:
- Rotary approved host families who provide a family environment for the student including meals.
- Schooling and the payment of normal school fees and some expenses.
- A monthly allowance of approximately AUD $150 paid to the student by their host club (value is dependent on the country of exchange).
- A student counsellor, both here and in the host country.
- Back up support and counselling for the family of the student
The student's natural parents or guardian provide for all the following costs:
- Rotary organised Optional tours
- Language Courses
- Day to day living expenses of the student, postage, phone calls, personal items, clothing, footwear etc.
- An emergency fund approx. $500.00AUD (redeemable at conclusion of exchange, if unused)
- Amounts vary but we suggest you allow approximately $5,000 to AUD$10,000 for costs throughout the year. Naturally, you must consider these amounts against what it normally costs to keep you for 12 months living at home.
Rules for Students?
Rotary Youth Exchange in District 9510 is run in accordance with the policy of Rotary International.
Students are required to always adhere to the laws of the host country, as well as the rules of the program, as defined by both the host and sponsoring districts. These are based on common sense and relate to personal behaviour, safety, and the expectations of being an ambassador for their country, their family, themselves and Rotary.
Some important rules to note:
- Students must return to Australia on completion of the exchange by the most direct route as arranged by the district committee.
- All students are required to attend a secondary level school for the duration of the exchange. This is a requirement of your student visa.
- Students may not travel alone or with other students without adult supervision. All travel must be approved by the host and sponsor District Chair, host club and the student’s parents.
- Students must attend all orientation briefings prior to departure. This is mandatory.
- Students are not permitted to drive motor vehicles at any time, even if they have a license from their home country. Students are not permitted to drink alcohol or take drugs and doing so may result in the early termination of their exchange.
- Any costs due to the student’s early return home or any unusual costs incurred by or on behalf of the student are the responsibility of the student’s parents.
Do I get to choose my country?
This is a very popular question! And the answer is… yes and no. The countries we exchange with are those we know run top-quality programs and are Rotary International Certified, and we re-evaluate them each year. There are a limited number of exchanges available with each country, and we will not overload any country in either direction, inbound or outbound.
When allocating countries, we consider the hosting countries specific requirements as well as your preferences. Some countries also impose upper age limits and specific language requirements.
We ask you to select five preferred countries, and we allow you to refuse any countries that you would not accept as a host country. Most students will get one of their five choices. But remember, flexibility is a vital characteristic for a successful exchange student, and that starts right at the beginning.
How Do I start the Process?
Lodge an Expression of Interest through the Rotary Youth Exchange Australia Website here
Who do I contact for more information?
PDG Paul Thomas,
Chair, District 9510 Youth Exchange
Mobile: 0438 211 600 Email: pthomas1960@bigpond.com