Long Term Exchange Details

The Long Term program provides U.S. students the opportunity to spend one school year abroad, studying at a foreign high school, living with multiple host families, and being immersed in the local language and culture.

Eligibility

Potential Outbound students should fit the below criteria:

  • Currently enrolled in high school
  • Older than 15 and under the age of 18 ½ on August 1 the year of departure (dependent on host country)
  • Average or above-average academic performance
  • Interested in other countries and cultures
  • Warm, flexible, and friendly personality

Program Rules & Responsibilities

Outbound students will:

  • Attend high school regularly
  • Act as an ambassador for themselves, their family, their community, and their country, sharing customs and culture with host country
  • Act as a family member (not a guest) within host families: participating in family activities, sharing meals, contributing to chores, and demonstrating flexibility and willingness to learn and adapt
  • Agree to and follow Rotary rules, regulations, and counseling, including the Four D’s (No Drugs, No Drinking, No Driving, No Dating)

You new Host Families will…

  • Welcome you into their home and treat you as a member of the family
  • Provide you with safe, comfortable living environment and private space
  • Provide you with meals at home
  • Help you organize transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities

While You’re Abroad…

  • You’ll be hosted by a local Rotary Club and paired with a Youth Exchange Counselor, who will meet with you regularly and help you understand your new home
  • You’ll be provided a monthly allowance
  • You may have opportunities to travel within your host country
  • You’ll have the opportunity to make friends of a lifetime with local students and other exchange students from around the world

COSTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Rotary Youth Exchange is not only the most reputable international exchange program in the world, but the most affordable. Rotary’s Youth Exchange program would not be possible without the global network of Rotary Clubs and volunteers whose passion is international- and community-based service.

What you pay for

  • Cost of travel to and from host country
  • Medical insurance
  • Passport, visas, and other required travel documents

What YOU DON’T pay for

  • Room, board, or school fees (uniform, books, etc.)
  • 24/7 language and cultural immersion! (priceless)

Is cost a concern? District 7450 has a limited number of scholarships available–don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.