READY TO EMBRACE NEW EXPERIENCES?
The Long Term Exchange Program (LTEP) takes place over an academic year and lasts 10-11 months. During this time you will attend school and live with families in your host country to gain a greater understanding of the culture You will also stay with 2-3 host families which helps you gain more exposure and cultural understanding of the world. You'll be your countries ambassador. You will also meet new friends and form lifelong international friendships.
Eligibility
Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange is open to students ages 16 - 18. You must be at least 16 years old by September 30 the year leave on exchange and you cannot be older than 18 years old by July 31 the year you return from exchange. Additionally, you cannot have graduated from high school. To qualify, applicants should be above-average students who have demonstrated leadership in their community. Candidates should also possess qualities such as flexibility and a willingness to try new things that will enable them to fully experience life in another country and become excellent cultural ambassadors. All applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and complete an online application and in-person interview. As part of the process, applicants must provide the names and contact information for three potential host families.
Timeline
We hold online information sessions in June and September for interested students and their families. You can register under the events section @ www.rye5020.org
- Applications open for the following academic year August 1st.
- You will be interviewed by a local participating Rotary Club and selections made by the end of October. Not every area has a participating Rotary Club.
- Following local club selection, you will need to complete a longer application to prepare for the district interviews, following your local club selection, you will have 3-4 weeks to complete this part of the application and it is due by the third weekend in November. During this process there is a small financial commitment from your family to complete dental and medical forms plus any other required tests
- You and at least one parent will need to attend the district interviews during the first weekend in December, which are in Victoria, BC. This interview is to help us get to know you better and select the best country placement for you. Attendance for this weekend is mandatory.
- Country placement will take place following the interviews in December. Starting in January there will be a series of online orientation sessions and an in person student orientation during the last weekend in April
- April/May visa process
- August leave for exchange
- June/July the following year return from exchange
Finances
Volunteer Rotary club members administer the program, which keeps program expenses low. Rotary Clubs in the host country are responsible for school tuition, accommodation and food, and a modest monthly allowance (generally around $100 month), these costs amount to approximately $25,000 USD, which is considered a scholarship. There is a Global Fee that you will pay to Rotary in 4 installments starting in December once you are accepted into the program. The fee is $7,500 USD/$10,000 CAD and covers the following;
- Round-trip airfare and travel agent support with the visa process through www.iywt.com
- Travel insurance that includes medical, accident, and illness coverage and meets the requirements of the host and sponsor clubs and districts.
- All pre and post orientations
- Language camp (only required in some host countries) or other cultural orientation sessions
- Consulate visits (if required)
- Pimsler language training
- Administrative costs related to your exchange
- Business cards, regalia, hoodie and other items.
Here is what is not included in the Global Fee;
- Spending money (over and above the monthly allowance provided by the host Rotary club), ancillary travel, and tours or trips
- $500 Emergency fund for unexpected expenses during the year (This is held by the host club)
- Visa application costs, notary or legal costs associated with your visa process
Countries
District 5020 currently exchanges in the full year or LTEP program with over 40 Rotary Districts in over 25 countries worldwide. These countries are on most major continents of the world and are selected for their stability and degree of concern about the welfare and safety of our students abroad. The District Exchange Committee will make every effort to place our students in a country on their preference list. Here is a list of countries that we typically exchange with but are not always available each year:
Argentina/Paraguay, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Denmark, Finland/Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand
Interested In Applying?
Rotary Youth Exchanges are administered locally by volunteers, and all applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and district. The first step is to apply with a local Rotary club. If you are not in Rotary District 5020, you must apply with a Rotary club in your home country or district.
To find a club near you click here. Use the application link below to begin the process. Your local club will help guide you through the application and interview process. After the District Level interview, successful applicants will be notified regarding which country they have been selected for. Remember, not all cities have Rotary Clubs that participate in youth exchange.