1. START PLANNING EARLY: Apply for passport 

You will need a US Passport to participate in an exchange.  If you don’t have one apply ASAP.  This is a lengthy process which can take several months.  If you already have a passport make sure the expiration date is at least 6 months after your exchange travel concludes.    A good rule of thumb is at least 18 months from the time you submit your application to become an exchange student.

​

2. CONTACT ROTARIANS IN THE AREA

Youth Exchange is administered locally.  There are approximately 10 Rotary clubs in our District that participate in this program. Identify the club closest to you. You may also contact the District Youth Exchange Chair Hal Beals at hwbeals@gmail.com.  

​

3. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

Short Term Exchange application

 

The Short Program:  $500 paid to Rotary District 5030 Youth Exchange Committee. This covers selection interviews, orientations, background checks, travel insurance and Rotary wear.

 

Round Trip Airfare: The families that have been matched for the exchange cooperate in making travel arrangements and setting the dates of the exchange. Rotary desires that the students travel together on one leg of the journey. District 5030 participants must purchase tickets from our Rotary approved travel agent.

​

Other costs you will be responsible for include: ​

• Round trip airfare purchased through our Rotary approved travel agency - $1200-$1800. Exchange matched families make their own travel plans. Students are expected to fly together for the middle flight of the exchange. 

• The student you host is a member of your family and is expected to participate in family activities and trips. If you would pay for your child, then you are expected to pay for the exchange student.

​

Incidental Expenses:  The exchange families provide room and board for the exchange student. If the family takes a special vacation or trip with the student, families should discuss cost sharing in advance of the exchange.

​

Estimated out of pocket for the family: $1800-$2500.

​

EXCHANGE BASICS

​

Host families who participate in the exchange program must agree to a background check and reference checks for all adults over 18 or living in the home as well as an in-home interview process. This helps Rotary ensure visiting exchange students are placed into a safe and welcoming environment that will leave a positive impact on their exchange experience. 

​

The exchange student should have their own bedroom or their own bed in a shared with no more than one host sibling of similar age and gender. 

​

Exchange students are expected to become a member of your family. They should be included in all family activities and can be expected to keep their spaces tidy and participate in a few reasonable household chores. as you would expect of your own teenaged children. 

​

Host families are not provided with any form of financial assistance in exchange for hosting a student.  

​

Short Term Exchange application