What is the program?
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYE) is a scholarship provided by local Rotary clubs that gives high school students the chance to live and study abroad anywhere from a few weeks to as long as 10-12 months. This program provides an affordable way for young people, like me, to explore the world, experience new cultures, and learn new languages. Most importantly, students build cultural competence and become ambassadors for their home country and culture. |
How do I get involved?
Any high school student can apply for this program through his or her local Rotary Club or by visiting their Rotary District's website. You can find your local club by clicking on the icon above. When in doubt, simply email someone from your local club and ask for more information about the program. Keep in mind, the people who run this program truly love what they do and are eager to help people get involved! So don't be afraid to ask questions and be curious!
Any high school student can apply for this program through his or her local Rotary Club or by visiting their Rotary District's website. You can find your local club by clicking on the icon above. When in doubt, simply email someone from your local club and ask for more information about the program. Keep in mind, the people who run this program truly love what they do and are eager to help people get involved! So don't be afraid to ask questions and be curious!
What can I expect?
There are two types of programs, the Short Term and the Long Term program. I am involved in the Long Term program, which is a full year exchange, so I can really only tell you how the process for that one works. Generally, after submitting an application to your local district, you will be called for an interview. This is mainly for the Rotarians to get to know you and ensure you are right for the program. From there, your application will be sent to a foreign country (usually a country of your choosing) where it will hopefully (almost always) be accepted by a Rotary Club there. Once your application has been accepted abroad you are officially a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and can start doing your happy dance! And be sure to tell everyone you know what you are doing because it is truly a wonderful experience that is best when shared with others! Your district should provide plenty of orientations both before you leave and upon reaching your host country. There, you will get to meet tons of other exchange students from your area and from around the world who are going through experiences much like your own. It's really incredible because, even before leaving your country, you will have made friends from all over the world!
There are two types of programs, the Short Term and the Long Term program. I am involved in the Long Term program, which is a full year exchange, so I can really only tell you how the process for that one works. Generally, after submitting an application to your local district, you will be called for an interview. This is mainly for the Rotarians to get to know you and ensure you are right for the program. From there, your application will be sent to a foreign country (usually a country of your choosing) where it will hopefully (almost always) be accepted by a Rotary Club there. Once your application has been accepted abroad you are officially a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and can start doing your happy dance! And be sure to tell everyone you know what you are doing because it is truly a wonderful experience that is best when shared with others! Your district should provide plenty of orientations both before you leave and upon reaching your host country. There, you will get to meet tons of other exchange students from your area and from around the world who are going through experiences much like your own. It's really incredible because, even before leaving your country, you will have made friends from all over the world!