Imagine living in a foreign country and going to a foreign school. Imagine living with different families and improving your foreign language skills by speaking with native speakers. Imagine eating foods that you never knew existed. Imagine meeting people of your own age from other countries. Scary, sure! But thousands of students just like you have participated in Rotary International (“RI”) Youth Exchange and have come back home with a greater understanding of the rest of the world.

HOW LONG IS AN EXCHANGE?

There are two Exchange programs. One is called “Short Term” and lasts a month. A student leaves his or her home country and lives for one month with a host family; then the student from the host family travels to the home of the other student and lives there for a month. This program is especially suited for younger students and those who are not sure they want to be away from home for a long period of time, but want to have the experience.

The other Exchange is called “Long Term” and all the following information applies to the Long Term experience, not the Short Term. Long Term lasts a school year, plus a few days for travel and orientation. Someone leaving the United States is called an “Outbound” and a foreign student coming here is called an “Inbound.” Unlike the Short Term Exchange, the Outbounds and Inbounds do not necessarily stay in the home of the other, and they stay with at least two families. A student is provided a monthly stipend by the host Rotary club, and the host family provides room and board to the student.

WHEN DOES AN EXCHANGE START?

You should  begin the application process in September of 2022. Before you depart you will be given information and training that will aid you in successfully completing your Exchange. Before you depart you will be expected to make every effort to learn the language of the country to which you will be sent. Then you will depart in the fall of the year of your Exchange, which at the present time would be the fall of 2023; the exact date depends on when school starts in the foreign country. Failure to make adequate preparation may be grounds for denying participation in the program.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?

If you are a high school student, and will be 15 ½ to 19 years of age when you depart, you may apply. If you want to Exchange after high school graduation, you may do so as a “gap year” before starting your higher education. While this is a scholarship program, there are certain expenses and the Covington Rotary Club may be able to provide full scholarships to students attending one of the three Covington High Schools.

DO I HAVE TO BE AN “A” STUDENT?

No, District 6740 does not require that a student have top grades, only that the student has good grades. The student must be a well-rounded person, demonstrated by his or her participation in school and community volunteering. The student must demonstrate a willingness to learn a foreign language, at least to be able to carry on a basic conversation.

HOW DO I APPLY?

For information about how to apply and more, please visit https://www.studyabroadscholarships.org/

“And here is a Youtube program by Magda about Rotary Youth Exchange:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMypohE_bi0” 

Can I host an exchange student?

Hosting an exchange student can be incredibly rewarding for your family, bringing an international experience directly into your home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. All host families are screened and trained. 

If you’re interested in learning more about being a host family, contact us.