About Rotary Youth Exchange
The Experience of a Lifetime
Rotary Youth Exchange provides an opportunity of a lifetime for high school students aged 16 -18 to live & study abroad for one year.
Through Rotary Youth Exchange, you will spend a year studying abroad, living with Rotary volunteer host families who will introduce you to a new culture, language, and lifestyle in one of over 40 countries.
Rotary Youth Exchange is for high school aged students who are interested in living and studying abroad for one year. Its goal is to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person to person level.
Since 1929, Rotary International has sent young people around the globe to experience new cultures. Currently, more than 8,000 students are sponsored by Rotary clubs in this program every year.
As a Rotary Exchange Student, you’ll have an opportunity to develop:
- Your personal self-confidence and maturity
- A lifetime of international friendships
- A real understanding of many different cultures.
- New language skills.
- A base for future education and a career goals
Because it’s supported by an international network of volunteers, the Rotary Youth Exchange is among the most affordable options to study abroad for an academic year. Family contributions to the program typically range from $5,000 – $8,000, depending on their destination country. In comparison, other programs commonly require tuition of up to $30,000 for an academic year!
District 6560 participates in the Rotary Youth Exchange in partnership with Central States Rotary Youth Exchange. Our leadership team includes:
- RYE Committee Chair: Jennifer Dale
- Email: youthexchange@rotary6560.org
- RYE Inbound Coordinator: Joann McKinney
- Email: 6560rye.ic@gmail.com
- RYE Outbound Coordinator: Amy Conrad
- Email: 6560rye.oc@gmail.com
- RYE Rebound Coordinator: Grace Dale
- Email: Gracieann2020@gmail.com
2024 Updates!
We are actively recruiting applicants to the Rotary Youth Exchange for the 2025-26 school year. If you are a high school student interested in studying abroad during high school or as a gap year, please fill out our interest form.
Additionally, please note the upcoming important events:
- Virtual Information Session and Call-out: September
- Initial Application Deadline: September 30
- RYE Interview Day: 2nd Saturday of October
- Supplemental Forms Deadline for Accepted Students: November 1