Welcome
Rotary Youth Exchange Program
Rotary Youth Exchange Program.gif)
District 7080
To provide the student with the opportunity to:
- Further international goodwill and understanding
- Study in a new academic environment
- Really learn another language
- Experience life from a different point of view
- Learn first-hand about different cultures
- Act as a Canadian Ambassador to the people they meet
- Pass on experiences they had when they return
- Develop skills and confidence to last a lifetime
Who is Eligible?
Full time Secondary school students who are Canadian Citizens
At least 16 but not yet 18 at the time of departure to host country
Of good character and reputation
Recommended by their school
A resident of the Rotary Club area
How long is the Exchange?
The selected student will study abroad for 10 to 11 months. Northern hemisphere exchanges usually start in August. Southern hemisphere exchanges start in August or February.
Where might I go?
Successful candidates will be assigned a country at an Oscar-like awards ceremony. The district currently has exchanges with Finland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Thailand, Japan and Portugal. Potential candidates must be prepared to go to any of the exchange countries in the current year.
Where will I stay?
Exchange students are hosted by a local Rotary Club. This Club will make arrangements for you to live with one to five Rotary or Rotary approved host families while you are away. The
Rotary district will have events bringing all of the inbound students together during the exchange term.
How will they treat me?
The host family will treat you as one of the family. You are expected to adapt to each family style and integrate into their routines.
To help you deal with challenges the local Rotary Club will provide a counsellor who you can use to help with special situations. In addition there is a district Youth exchange committee in your host country who can also help you. If the challenges are still not resolved District 7080 Y.E. committee will get involved.
Adapting and dealing with a wide variety of different situations is one of the major benefits the exchange student gains from the program.
What about school?
You must attend school full time. This is key for your integration with your peers in your host country. Rotary is responsible for your tuition etc. You are responsible for course materials and in some cases school uniforms. Depending upon the courses taken and the language you may or may not take their exams.
Will I get school credits?
Do not count on receiving credits for your year away. Only your school here can grant credits and these would only be considered after you return and your academic progress is evaluated. The Ministry of Education has not yet established rules for credits for exchange students.
Can I travel?
While on exchange unsupervised and solo travel is not permitted. You will have many opportunities to travel with host families and through Rotary sponsored events and trips. Rotary is responsible for your safety and will ensure you have a safe and fulfilling year.
What are the rules and restrictions?
- No Driving, No Drugs, No Drinking, No serious Dating (Steady boyfriend/girlfriend)
- Don’t break any laws.
- Adapt to host country culture and host families
- Be a good ambassador for Canada, Rotary, your community and your family here
Who pays what?
You/your parents pay for:
Transportation costs and travels while away
Health coverage while away
Language/culture school at start of year
Clothing and school uniforms
Cash reserve fund held in trust for emergencies
(Usually $500 with balance refunded at end)
Supplementary allowance and special activities.
Communications costs
Host Rotary Club provides:
School tuition arrangements
Room and board
Special Rotary Club and District events
A small monthly allowance
Transportation to and from school
Sponsor Rotary Club provides:
Pre departure orientations for student and parents
Rotary Youth exchange blazer allowance and sweatshirt.
The hosting of an inbound student to provide the Outbound student with the opportunity to be an Exchange student
CONTACT:
Nom Bindon, District Chair, Youth Services, norm.rotary@rogers.com