SUMMER EXCHANGE PROGRAM
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Spend 3-4 weeks overseas with a family that has a son/daughter the same age. That student will spend 3-4 weeks with your US family.
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Travel order and schedules depend on each students' schedule.
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Exchange typically occurs between mid-June and the end of August.
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Program oversight by rotary to ensure safety, quality, and equity.
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Foreign language skills are encouraged but not required.
Marilyn Edlund is the Summer Exchange Coordinator. She can be reached at marilyne5030rye@gmail.com
Reasons to consider the Rotary program for summer exchange
Build global understanding and peace: Exchange programs help young people experience different cultures firsthand, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. This kind of cultural immersion fosters empathy and mutual respect - key ingredients for peaceful international relations and cooperations.
Promotion education beyond the classroom: Living in a new country pushes students outside their comfort zones. They don't just learn about world history or languages - they live them. They gain real-world problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and adaptability that no textbook can teach.
Improve communication across cultures: By learning new languages and cultural norms, students become better cross-cultural communicators. These are essential skills in our interconnected world, whether in diplomacy, business, science, or humanitarian work.
Become a global citizen: Exchange students often become lifelong ambassadors of cross-cultural understanding. They're more likely to pursue international work, support inclusive policies or encourage others to see the value in diverse perspectives.
Build lifelong personal connections: Many host families and student form lasting bonds, creating international families that span generations. These personal relationships serve as bridges between nations and communities. - grassroots diplomacy at its finest.
Strengthen international alliances: On a national level, governments and NGOs often support exchange programs to strengthen ties with other countries. These students experiences build goodwill and informal alliances that can have long-term geopolitical benefits.
Cultivate leadership skills: Many former exchange students go on to become leaders in business, politics, education and non-profits. Their global perspectives influence how they lead and make decisions that impact society on a broader scale.
Rotary's 75 year track record of successful youth exchanges: Rotary is an international not-for-profit organization that ensures students and families are well prepared for their exchange experience. Applications, reference and background checks ensure the safety of everyone involved. Your local Rotary District provides a Youth Exchagne Counselor to your family for questions and support before, during and after the exchange.