ROTARY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM

WHAT IS IT?
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is arranged by Rotary clubs for young people to experience a year of education overseas, in a wide choice of countries. It also gives many other opportunities, both during and after the exchange is completed. The Rotary YEP is recognised as the best student exchange program by schools, parents and the students themselves because of its sound infrastructure. Students stay with host families who are arranged by the hosting club.  Host families may or may not be members of Rotary, but are always Rotary approved.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Any boy or girl. Sons or daughters of Rotary members gain no preference in selection.
The preferred age of applicants is between 15 years 6 months and 18 years 6 months at the time of departure. This is always in January of the year following application. Applicants should be making sound progress at school and have a general interest in people and places. They should possess a good general knowledge of Australia - its political system, socio-economic policies and its involvement in international affairs. Applicants must have displayed high standards of personal conduct and attitudes which are widely accepted in our community. They must have an outgoing personality and be interested in cultural or outdoor pursuits. Rotary is looking for young people who can act as personal ambassadors.

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED ?
Students are selected by Rotary clubs on the basis of their application and a personal interview. Applications close with local clubs before the end of March. It is acceptable to apply to more than one Rotary club, if desired. The Rotary Club interviews applicants and their parents. The successful applicant from the club is then nominated to the respective District Committee. This committee then assesses all nominated applicants before arranging exchanges with overseas clubs.  Students have the opportunity to nominate any preferred countries of exchange that are available. However, there are limited places in any one country and a preparedness to accept an exchange in any of the available countries is necessary. 

ROTARY PROVIDES TRAINING
Rotary clubs have an important role in this exchange. They provide one of their members to act as a counsellor. The counsellor’s role is to maintain close contact with the student up until the time of departure of the exchangee. This contact is then expected to continue during the year of exchange, not only with the student but also the student’s family. This keeps everyone informed of the progress of the exchange. The District Committee also provides training days for a wide range of personal development and in many other areas. This is to prepare the student as much as is possible for the exchange.  Parents of students are also required to be involved in these.

 ARE THERE OTHER OBLIGATIONS ?
Students are required to adhere to the rules of the program, as applied in the country of exchange. These are to do with personal behaviour and the expectations of being an ambassador for their country, their family, themselves and Rotary.

 SCHOOLING CONSIDERATIONS
There may be credits available for subjects studied whilst away. However, this needs to be checked with the school before departure. The question of breaking the HSC years is up to personal choice. Many students successfully do this and many more leave on exchange after completing Year 12. The real bonus for education though is the experience that students get from the exchange itself.

WHAT DOES AN EXCHANGE COST ?
Actual total cost will vary depending on the country of exchange and the student's personal budget.

Student and family provide:

1. Base costs to Rotary of approximately $7,000 (3-4 instalments due from May to November) which covers return overseas airfare and visa, as arranged by Rotary, to the country of exchange, insurance, costs associated with administration of the program and the student's preparation for the exchange.

2. Additional day to day living and entertainment expenses, including phone calls, clothing, footwear etc.

3. A small emergency fund (repayable at the end of exchange, if unused)

4. Cost of any compulsory language camps in the host country.

5. Other discretionary costs for any organised tours and trips etc.

Host Rotary Club and/or District provides:

1. Board and lodging with host family

2. Schooling expenses

3. A monthly allowance of approx. $US100

4. A Host Club Counsellor to monitor the student's welfare.

5. Orientation sessions and some group activities.

For more information, please contact District Chairman Barry Starr at bstarr@wix.com.au

Click here for Preliminary Application Form

Click here for  a copy of this information in pdf format.