Parents
Youth Exchange Parents
Congratulations!
You and your child are looking into one of the most incredible experiences available. We commend you for having the courage and foresight to provide this opportunity to your student. We hope that this page, along with information you'll receive through your local Rotary Club and Rotary District 7210, will help answer questions and reassure you that your child will be in good hands.
Your Student's Experience Abroad
It's difficult to say exactly what kind of experience your child will have, because every country is different, and even within a country, each district is different. However, in general, your child will be completely immersed in the host country's culture. He or she will live with at least two host families, attend local high school and make friends among students of the host country. He or she is asked to participate in Rotary events, as well as school and community activities. Our experience has been that students who embrace the culture grow a tremendous amount while they are abroad, and come back as mature young adults.
The Support Network
The Rotary Youth Exchange support network is one of the most well developed and knowledgeable networks of any youth exchange program. Each district that exchanges, worldwide, meets criteria set by Rotary International designed to ensure the safety of your child.
In the US, the initial point of contact is the local club, through that club's youth exchange committee or chair, depending on the size. Above the local club, there is a district committee of volunteers who work to make the program successful. Some exchange programs are operated through a multidistrict which serves many districts in a region.
The structure in the host country may vary, but generally speaking, your child will be in close contact with a local youth exchange officer who serves as the liason with a district or multidistrict program.