What is it?
Who Can Apply?
Departure Dates
How much does it cost?
What to do now?

What is it?

‘This has been the best year of my life - nothing else can even compare to it. If you have the right attitude and an open mind it will be yours as well’

An exchange with Rotary is an amazing experience, almost certainly the best year of your life! You will experience another culture and lifestyle through the eyes of a local. Learn about a new country, learn about another lifestyle, learn about yourself!

‘The relationships you build with people are amazing.’
You will develop lifelong friendships with family and friends in your host country. Through other Rotary Exchange students you will develop a network of friends all over the world.

‘Words can’t describe what you will benefit’
The life skills you will develop will prepare you to cope with future challenges long after the exchange.

The exchange experience can be regarded as an achievement, one which will be recognized personally, academically and professionally in later years.

‘What I have learnt can’t be taught in books’

RD9520 currently exchanges with the following countries:

Belgium	Brazil	Canada
Denmark	France	Germany
Finland	Japan	Norway
Sweden	Switzerland	USA

Who can apply?

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is open to high school students aged over 16 and under 18 years of age on departure. Some countries will however accept students over 18 years old at departure. No special preference is given to sons or daughters of Rotarians.

You must be an Australian citizen to participate in the program.

Ideally you will be an enthusiastic outgoing individual who can capably act as a good ambassador for Australia within the international environment.

‘Opens up your mind to so many different ways of thinking & behaving.’

Depature Dates

Students participating in the 2010 Rotary Youth Exchange selection process will depart in January 2011.

How much does it cost?

A fee of approximately $8,000* to Rotary includes:

• Return overseas airfare as arranged by Rotary
• Travel and Medical Insurance
• Visa costs
• Blazer
• Rugby top
• Name badge and visiting cards
• An administration fee

*Plus any fuel surcharge applicable at the time of ticketing.

Host Rotary club provides:

• Board and lodging with a host family
• Schooling expenses
• A monthly allowance - about AUD $120

Students and family provide:

• Internal travel including Rotary arranged tours
• An emergency fund - usually AUD $400 that is redeemable at the end of the exchange if not used.
• Additional spending money as required

What to do now?

For further information on the program simply contact your local Rotary Club or a member of the RD9520 Youth Exchange Committee on (08) 8536 3630.

If you feel you now know enough about the Rotary Youth Exchange program and want to apply online please complete the following three steps:

ONLINE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM - Click here to access

The Next Step

Applications for a year abroad in 2011 close in March 2010. Once the District Youth Exchange Committee receives your Expression of Interest, they will contact your local Rotary Club, who will contact you for an interview and then, if successful, will nominate you to the RD9520 District Committee.

This committee assesses all nominated applicants before arranging exchanges with overseas clubs. Students have the opportunity to nominate any preferred countries that are available for exchange however there are limited places available and applicants should be prepared to accept an exchange to any of the available countries.

If you are selected by your local Rotary Club you will need to complete the International Long Term Youth Exchange Application Form, completing all sections, including the medical and dental sections. A member of the Rotary Club will assist you. Your club must then post this form to the District Chairman by 12 May.

GOOD LUCK