ROTARY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE

LONG-TERM EXCHANGES
These exchanges are a year long and require students to participate in an academic year.
 
OBJECTIVES - To enable long-term students:
 
1) To advance their education by studying for a year in an environment entirely different from their own and undertaking study of courses and subjects not normally available to them in their own country.
2) To enable all students:
  • To broaden their own outlook by learning to live with and meet people of different cultures, creeds, and ethnic background and by having to cope with day-to-day problems in an environment completely different from the one they have experienced at home.
  • To act as ambassadors for their own country and the Rotary Club by addressing Rotary Clubs, community organizations and youth groups in their host country and by imparting knowledge as they can of their own country - its problems as well as its virtues, to the people they meet during their year abroad.
  • To study and observe all facets of life and culture in the country where they are hosted so that on their return to their home country, they can pass on the knowledge they have gained by addressing Rotary clubs and other organizations.
 
SHORT-TERM EXCHANGES
These family-to-family exchanges can vary in length, but usually take place in the summer. Objectives and guidelines are the same as in the long-term program, but there is no Academic component.
 
HOW DOES A STUDENT BENEFIT FROM BEING ABROAD?
Being away in a foreign country can provide a powerful broadening effect, which accelerates the maturation process. Managing finances and making decisions increases self-confidence and Independence. The development of tolerance toward other lifestyles, cultures and the personalities of other people are life-long benefits. Friendships, which last a lifetime, may be formed.
 
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Long-Term: Any student, between ages 15 -18
Short-Term: Any student between ages of 15 – 18
All students must be of good character, possesses a warm personality and a desire to broaden their horizons. Candidates should be adaptable and flexible, well mannered and want to experience life in other countries and cultures.
 
IS PROFICIENCY IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEEDED?
Although many countries of the world teach English as a second language, we strongly
believe that any exchange is only successful by the student’s desire to learn to communicate in the language of the hosts while on Exchange.
 
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT ROTARY'S STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM COMPARED TO OTHER PROGRAMS?
The Rotary International Student Exchange program is VOLUNTEER DRIVEN. It is organized and administered by VOLUNTEER Rotarians and their families throughout the world. The operation is done at several levels, namely the local Rotary Club, the district and is sponsored by Rotary International. They select the students, prepare them, and arrange hosting abroad and provide travel and insurance information.
There is no payment to families nor is there any quota which must be satisfied. The Rotary program, while being the least expensive exchange program, provides students with local Rotarians who monitor their welfare. At times of immediate need, students who are away from home are more comfortable knowing that any Rotarian in their host Club is available to help and offer guidance.
 
APPLICATION DETAILS
 
Preliminary Application plus school transcript submitted by – early November
 
Applicant interviews at – the second half of November
Selection by Rotary Club: end of November
Preliminary Application Submitted to District by Rotary Club: Early December (and school transcript sent to District Chair)
Long Application due: early January
Orientation: January, February, and March FOR STUDENTS, and January and March FOR PARENT(s).
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
Contact the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore