Rotary Youth Exchange

Now recruiting exchange students for the 2026-2027 school year!

We are now recruiting students to go on exchange during the 2026-2027 school year (leave for exchange in July/August 2026). Interested? Scroll down to find out what to do and apply!

BUILDING PEACE, ONE YOUNG PERSON AT A TIME

District 6330 is proud to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, which builds peace, one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-18 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries!
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
  • Develop lifelong leadership skills
  • Learn a new language and culture
  • Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
  • Become a global citizen
 

STUDENTS: INTERESTED IN GOING ON A ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE?

Candidates are ages 15-18 and are leaders in their schools and communities.
 
  1. Talk to your parents/guardians and get their approval and support.
  2. Click the button below to complete your Preliminary Application.
  3. Connect with your local Rotary Club, if you haven't already.

ROTARY CLUBS OR ROTARIANS

Interested in getting involved with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program? Contact Ross Barnett, Chair of the D6330 RYE Program. He'd love to hear from you!

MEET THE DISTRICT 6330 ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE COMMITTEE!

Ross Barnett, Chair
Ross has been the chair of the D6330 RYE Committee since 2020. Ross and his wife, Rosanne, have hosted over 20 exchange students over the years, and two of their children have participated in Rotary Youth Exchange! Ross has been a YEO for the Goderich Rotary Club and was Conference Coordinator and Outbound Coordinator for the D6330 RYE Committee before becoming chair.
 
Suzanne Brown, Outbound Coordinator
Suzanne Brown is a former participant of the D6330 RYE Program, completing her exchange in Mexico in 1999-2000! She has also has a son who was an exchange student to Finland in 2019-2020. Suzanne and her husband have also hosted several students over the years. Suzanne was the Youth Exchange Officer of the Walkerton Rotary Club before becoming Outbound Coordinator in 2023.
 
The Outbound Coordinator is responsible for the selection and training/preparation of the Outbound students in D6330—students from D6330 who are going abroad for their exchange. They are also responsible for supporting the Outbound students while they are on their exchange. They work with Rotary Clubs in the District on program promotion, guide students through the application process, select qualified candidates, and prepare them for their year abroad. In essence, the Outbound Coordinator acts as a launchpad for students, propelling them towards a transformative exchange experience. 
 
Kirk Langford, Inbound Coordinator
Kirk Langford is also a former Rotary Youth Exchange student through D6330, completing his exchange to Brazil in 2005-2006. Kirk participated in Rotex for several years after his exchange, and eventually joined the D6330 RYE Committee as Outbound Coordinator in 2020 and moving to Inbound Coordinator in 2024. Kirk and his husband have hosted one exchange student so far, and look forward to hosting many more!
 
The Inbound Coordinator is responsible for all the Inbound exchange students in the District—students from other countries who are completing their exchange in D6330. They assist Rotary Clubs with host family recruitment, screening, and district-wide program management. Working with Rotary Clubs' Youth Exchange Officers and Youth Exchange Committees, they ensure students are placed with compatible families and receive year-long support. They organize Inbound student activities at all District Youth Exchange conferences throughout the year. By facilitating communication and collaboration, they aim to create a seamless exchange experience for all students within the district.
 
Nathanya Field, Rebound Coordinator 
Nathanya is our Rebound Coordinator, and is a past Rotary Youth Exchange student herself, completing her exchange to France in 2011-2012.
 
The Rebound Coordinator champions our District's returning exchange students ("Rebounds"). They organize the Rebound portion of our Youth Exchange conferences, focusing on topics like successful re-adjustment and resverse cultural shock (yes, that's a real thing!) as well as providing support as students readjust to life after their exchange. They connect Rebounds with opportunities to share their experiences, like mentoring our incoming Inbound and Outbound students, and speaking at Rotary events. By fostering a support network and reigniting program passion, the Rebound Coordinator helps Rebounds translate their exchange experience into future endeavors. 
 
 
Aiden Hogervorst, Conference Logistics Coordinator
Aiden Hogervorst was a Rotary Youth Exchange student to Brazil in 2005-2006 through D6330 and she joined the D6330 RYE Committee in 2023 as Conference Coordinator. 
 
As Conference Coordinator, Aiden is responsible for the logistics related to our Tri-District Youth Exchange conferences: venue, sleeping arrangements, meals, rides, and much more!
 
Mark Oliver, Club Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Mark serves on the District Youth Exchange Committee as our Club Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, working with Rotary Clubs in our district to get them involved in the program. . He is also the Youth Exchange Officer for the Rotary Club of St. Marys. The Rotary Club of St. Marys has sponsored and hosted 135 exchange students since joining the program in 1972. Mark, and his wife, Janet, have hosted 5 inbound exchange students. Their youngest son was an outbound exchange student to Denmark in 2017. Mark was also an outbound exchange student to Australia in 1981. His Rotary Youth Exchange experience continues to shape his life—44 years later!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES

Who can apply for the exchange program?
High school students of good character, warm personality, and average to above-average academic performance. Candidates should be adaptable and flexible, well-mannered, and want to learn about other countries and cultures. Children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians are eligible and encouraged to apply. 
 
Why are Rotary’s student exchange programs better than other programs?
The Rotary International Exchange Program is volunteer-driven. It is organized and administered by volunteer Rotarians and their families throughout the world within the local Rotary club, the district, and regionally. Rotary volunteers screen student applicants, select the exchange students, prepare them, and arrange hosting abroad, travel, insurance, school admission, visas, etc. All of this is done by Rotarians as an unpaid service. 
 
Because we depend solely on volunteers (i.e., no one involved is paid, including Rotarians and host families), the Rotary Program is one of the least expensive, safest, and highest quality programs. Students are provided local supervision by members of the local hosting Rotary club, who are directly involved in the welfare of these students. Because of this close connection with local Rotarians, students on exchange and their families are more comfortable knowing that Rotarians from their host club are available to help and offer guidance. Students often attend Rotary Club meetings and get to know Rotarians who are generally the local business and professional leaders of that community. Sometimes these connections benefit students later in life in their academic, business or professional lives.
 
How will I benefit from being abroad?
Living in a foreign country has a powerful effect on your maturing process. Managing your own finances and making decisions gives you more confidence and independence. You learn to think and converse fluently in another language. You develop more confidence in speaking before groups. You become more tolerant of other people, different cultures and different personalities. Your youth exchange experience will be priceless, something that you can’t replicate any other way.
 
Which countries can I go to?
There are approximately 40 countries that we exchange with, including countries in South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Exchanges can occur between any two countries in which there are certified Rotary Districts. Rotary Clubs in approximately 65 countries and regions annually sponsor or host youth exchange students.
 
Am I guaranteed a specific country for my exchange?

No. Students will  complete a questionnaire highlighting their personalities, preferences, dislikes, what part of the world they are most interested in going to and countries they would not be comfortable going to. Once this questionnaire is submitted with their application, the Outbound Coordinators and the District Chair will make the country selections for each student. Ultimately, we are looking for students who are excited to experience living abroad and learning a new language and culture; not a specific country, language, and culture. So, if you are expecting to get to go to a specific country or only want one specific country, then this isn't the program for you!

 
Do I have to know or be fluent in the host country's language before I go?
While you don't have to be fluent in the host country's language before you arrive, we do assign language homework and practice at conferences, which you are expected to complete. The expectation is that you'll have some language ability when you arrive in your host country. Knowing as much as possible of the language upon arrival in your host country is very beneficial so we encourage you to study as much of the language as possible before you begin your exchange.
 
Am I allowed to travel while on exchange?
While this is not a tourist program, travel is sometimes available with the host families and members of Rotary Clubs. Also, Rotary-approved group tours may be arranged by Rotary. These are generally at the student’s expense. You may not travel alone or without the permission of your host District.
 
How long is the exchange?
Your exchange will be 10-12 months (an academic year). Most students leave in July/August and return the following (late) June or early July.
 
Can I come home for birthdays, holidays, or other events?
No, you are required to stay in your host country for the entirety of your exchange. After all, if you come home for a holiday, how will you know how your host country celebrates that same holiday?!
 
How many host families will I have?
Most students will have three host families during their exchange, but you may have anywhere from 2-4. You'll attend the same school throughout your exchange, so your host families will live in the same city, area, or vicinity. This allows for a broader understanding of the cultural and social/economic aspects of the region, while simultaneously allowing more families to participate in the program. This also encourages a variety of activities during the year.
 
How are host families selected?
To ensure the safety of our students, every host family in the Rotary Youth Exchange program must undergo screening and training that includes an interview with the local Rotary Club, reference checks, and completion of online training.
 
Can my family and/friends come visit me while I'm on exchange?
Each host country, Rotary district, and Rotary club sets their own policies on this, but generally speaking, no. If you want your family or friends want to visit your host country, we recommend that you plan to return after your exchange with them to show them your host country.
 

How much does the program cost?

In District 6330, the fee is $8500 CAD. This fee includes the following costs:
Interview and training conferences (accommodation, meals, and materials)
  • Flights to the student's host country and back home at the end of their exchange
  • Health insurance while the student is on exchange
  • Rotary blazer and t-shirt for the student
  • CSRYE administrative fee
  • District 6330 RYE Committee operating expenses
  • A small monthly stipend while the student is on exchange (approximately equivalent to the buying power of $100 USD)
  • Room and board while on exchange (provided by the host family)
The fee does not include:
  • Fees charged by your own family doctor, dentist, etc. for exams, forms, letters
  • Costs and fees for passports, visas and related travel, courier, documents, certificates, etc.
  • Student and parent travel to and from training conferences (we encourage and facilitiate ride-sharing)
  • Student and parent travel to and from airports, parking, etc. at beginning and end of exchange
  • Late or cancellation fees or fines charged by CSRYE, travel (eg. change dates/early return), insurance agencies, etc.
  • Language camp fees and/or school uniforms as might be required in some countries
  • Students' extra excursions, trips and tours in host country while on exchange
  • Students' casual spending (including cell phone plans) while on exchange
 
Are there scholarships available to help with the cost?
Yes! We have two scholarships in District 6330 that students can apply for to help with the costs of the exchange: the District 6330 Rotary Youth Exchange 50th Anniversary Scholarship, and the Bob Shoemaker Scholarship.
 
Is my family required to host an exchange student?
Hosting is not required, but strongly encouraged.  An exchange is made between Rotary organizations here and abroad with our students going abroad and their students coming here. A Rotary Club that sponsors students from its community to go abroad also hosts foreign students in exchange. Ideally, parents of outbound students will host a foreign exchange student for a part of the year and help the Rotary Club to identify at least 2 other host families that will be approved by the club.  An additional benefit of hosting is the perspective it will give you and your family to serve in a hosting role, so they can better understand what it’s like while you are abroad.
 
Can I get high school credits for my time on exchange?
Some high schools will give you credits for the classes you take while on exchange. However, it depends on your school system and the foreign school. To get credit, you'll need to make arrangements with your school before your begin your exchange.
 
Are there any program rules?
Although Rotary International provides certification and guidelines to local Rotary Youth Exchange programs, Rotary districts and clubs will have their own additional, specific rules for students to follow based on the local customs and culture. Students accepted into the program sign and agree to abide by a list of program rules at the time of application and prior to their departure from home. While the hosting Rotary Club will discuss all program rules with you, you and your parents may wish to review the program rules on your application form to be sure that everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected. Basic program rules consist of common-sense stipulations, such as no drinking, no use of drugs, no driving of any type of motorized vehicles, no serious dating, and the need to obtain special permission for travel while on the exchange.
 
What's the process for becoming a Rotary Youth Exchange student?
  1. Complete our Preliminary Application.
  2. Your local Rotary Club will interview you.
  3. September - October: If the local Rotary Club decides to sponsor you, you'll then begin working on the CSRYE Application. This is a lengthy, in-depth application that requires a lot of information and signatures that will require dedication, attention to detail, and organization on your part (we're sending you away without your family for a year, so we need to make sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed!).
  4. November: Attend the District Interview Conference where a panel of Rotarians and past exchange students will interview you and your parents/guardians to make sure the Rotary Youth Program is a good fit.
  5. Early January: Find out which country you've been assigned to!
  6. January - July: Attend three weekend-long, in-person training conferences, as well as monthly online training sessions.
  7. July/August: Leave for your exchange year!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CLUBS & ROTARIANS

My club is interested in getting involved in the program. What is the cost?

Clubs are not required to pay a fee to sponsor an Outbound student (i.e., a student from D6330 going abroad).

The fee for clubs to host an Inbound student (i.e., a student from abroad who will do their exchange in D6330), the fee for the 2026-2027 Rotary/academic year is CAD $1500.

 

My club wants to host an Inbound student or sponsor an Outbound student. How quickly can we get involved?

For Inbound students, due to the complex nature of the country-to-country and (multi) district-to-(multi)district relationships required to execute this program, we are essentially working many months in advance. So, for example:

  1. Complete the D6330 RYE Club Commitment Form and pay the club fee by November 15 of Year 1.
  2. Your club's YEO and YEC attend the YEO & YEC Training in February of Year 2, August of Year 2, and November of Year 2.
  3. Your club's Inbound student would be assigned to you in February to April of Year 2.
  4. You complete the required paperwork for your Inbound student from February to May of Year 2.
  5. Your Inbound student would arrive in August of Year 2.
District 6330 is a member of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange (CSRYE) organization, which is an incorporated joint program among 20 Rotary districts located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, USA, and Ontario, Canada. For more details on CSRYE, please visit their website.

District 6330 is also a member of NAYEN (North American Youth Exchange Network), which empowers Rotary leaders and host communities in 167 districts in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to create transformative exchange experiences that promote cultural understanding, foster global citizenship, and build a more peaceful world. They provide support to every Rotary District in North America, fostering meaningful connections and promoting cultural exchange to build a brighter, more interconnected world that promotes peace and unity. To learn more about NAYEN, please visit https://nayen.org/.

Rotary's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Rotary, we believe that creating a culture of belonging is essential to who we are. Our strength comes from the connections we build, the respect we show, and the opportunities we create so that everyone can thrive. Belonging, engagement, and accessibility are at the heart of how we grow together and create lasting change.

Everyone is welcome in Rotary. Program like Rotary Youth Exchange make the clubs and communities more diverse, equitable, and inclusive

Rotary's diversity, equity, and inclusion statement, first adopted in 2019 and strengthened in 2021, remains a foundation for the evolution of our commitment:

At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.

We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.

You can read more about Rotary International's commitment to DEI here.