Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
- Develop lifelong leadership skills
- Learn a new language and culture
- Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
- Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
- Round-trip airfare
- Travel insurance
- Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
- Spending money and any additional travel or tours
How can I apply?
Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. The selection process usually takes place in the fall of the year prior to the school year that you would like to spend abroad. The next available exchange year will be 2025-2026.
Contact us to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report
Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.
Read the latest about how Rotary Youth Exchange is a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary.
How Can Rotarians Participate?
- Host an inbound student (a three-month commitment)
- Help give a big welcome to students arriving at MSP (this shows them our club is a community they can lean on during this exciting, scary experience)
- Host students for local events (performances, festivals, sports)
- Help transport students to Rotary events
- Sponsor an outbound St. Paul student going abroad
- Join the St. Paul Rotary Youth Exchange Team