Parents and Friends

Information for Parents and Friends of current and potential future exchange students.

What???  You want to go Where???  And do What???

Your child comes home and says they want to go abroad for a school year.  Many parents first reaction is simply "NO WAY".  But then you think about the opportunities that this will provide for your child.  This can be a life-changing experience.  Rotary Youth Exchange has been sending students abroad for over 50 years.  We have a marvelous network of dedicated Rotarians and families in various countries around the world.  Students stay with usuallly two to four host families during their year abroad.  They attend high school with lessons in the local language.  They learn a lot about the similarities and differences of other countries and cultures.  They interact with other students, parents, and teachers.

Another objection that some parents have is the cost.  Rotary Youth Exchange is much lower cost than most other exchange programs.  Many of them are businesses, making a profit from running a program.  Rotary Clubs and Districts contribute money to the program, rather than extracting profits.  The cost of sending your child abroad may actually be little more than the cost of keeping them at home for that year.

To learn more about how the program works, please refer to the FAQ and the Youth Exchange Handbook (see links below).