How it works

Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland sponsor students currently in Years 11- 13 (5th & 6th Form), to study at a similar level in a foreign country and live with selected host families for up to twelve months. In return, a student from the "exchange" country is hosted, for a similar period, by the Rotary Club which sponsored the outbound student.

During their stay abroad, students become an integral member of their host families and are treated by host parents exactly as they would treat their own sons or daughters. A Rotarian from the hosting Rotary Club is appointed as a Mentor and whenever a student has questions or concerns during their exchange year he/she will be there to help.

You, or your family, will be required to identify three families who are willing to agree to host an inbound student from abroad for up to three months. Your own family may be one of the families nominated but does not have to be. Your nominated host families will be interviewed and expectations and obligations will be explained to them.

They will be required to submit to CRB checks and supply independent referees who can verify their suitability to host a student from abroad. All nominated families should live within reasonable travelling distance of the high school which the inbound student will attend. Host families do not receive any payment but neither will the families hosting you be paid.

Applications must be made before the end of December for the following academic year. The sponsoring Rotary club will interview prospective exchange students and their parents. Selection of students for the available places will take place early in the new year. Whilst every effort will be made to place selected students in their country of choice this cannot be guaranteed and successful applicants may be offered a placement elsewhere. Orientations to prepare students for their exchange year take place in March and April and students normally travel to the host country in August or September.

There are many young people around the world dreaming of coming to this country. When you choose Rotary Youth Exchange, not only will you be able to fulfil one of your dreams, but you will also enable someone else's dream to come true.

If you have any further questions check out our FAQs page or make a Preliminary Application now.