Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange
Contact either Ed Woodall OR Tony Hooeimeijer for further info on Youth Exchange!
Rotary International – Youth Exchanges
UPDATED JANUARY 11, 2018
Each year, Rotary Youth Exchange provides about 8,000 young people the opportunity to experience the cultures, problems and accomplishments of people in other countries. Through this Rotary program, students are given the opportunity to grow as individuals while their concept of the world is growing too. Participants return with a broader view of the world and a deeper understanding of themselves. As a result, Rotary’s Youth Exchange program becomes a powerful force in the promotion of world understanding and peace.
Through Youth Exchange, Rotarians seek to provide the best possible environment for students. The program enjoys the advantages of over 48 years of experience and a network of more that 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. This experience and support system ensures the best possible exchange for participants in the program.
Resources:
- Youth Ecxchange Handbook (RI 746-EN)
- A Guide for Exchange Students (RI 752-EN)
- A Guide for Host Families (RI 749-EN)
ESSEX web-site www.exchangestudent.org
District Youth Exchange Committee:
- Youth Services Chair: Brent Holmes ncblh@aol.com 336.392.7564
- Interact Chair: Brent Holmes ncblh@aol.com 336.392.7564
- Youth Exchange Chair: Edward Woodall ewoodall@localfirstbank.com 336.506.1023
- Child Protection Officer: Steven Taylor steven@taylorlawnc.com
- RYLA Chair: Kristi Kinsey kristikinsey@gmail.com 904.826.7819
- 4 Way Test Co-Chairs: Kathy Homiller khomiller@triad.rr.com 336-653-8502 & Mini Singh minisingh@gmail.com 336-302-3958
Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.
Short Term Youth Exchange – A focus for Rotary District 7690
Ages 15-18 ½
Several weeks long – family-to-family exchange
Does not involve attending high school, but students can tailor their experience to match their interest
Can include home stays, tours, and international youth camps
Long –term Youth Exchange
Ages 15-181/2
One year
Involves living with a few host families and attending a local high school
Rotary Clubs:
Recruit, select, and sponsor students for the Short Term (Summer Family to Family Exchange) by April 1
Clubs responsibilities:
Assist students and families with information and completing applications by April 1
Carefully review student applications and recommend students for the program
Coordinate meetings with students, parents, and youth exchange committee to complete required documents and orientations
As of July 1, 2023 – Provide funds to support the program of $50 per exchange student due to the district
Recruit and sponsor an Outbound Youth Exchange candidate who applies by the deadline December 1.
Clubs responsibilities:
Assist students and families with information and completing applications by November
Carefully review student applications and recommend students for the program
Coordinate meetings with students, parents, and youth exchange committee to complete required documents and orientations
As of July 1, 2023 – Fund $350 per exchange student to the district for ESSEX costs (membership, administrative fees and scholarship contributions)
Recruit three families to host an Inbound Exchange Student for 2014-2015 year
Club responsibilities:
- Sponsor the student by supporting activities with the host family to include club meetings
- Coordinate meetings with students, parents, and youth exchange committee to complete required documents and orientations
- Provide $100 per month to the student – Requirement of Rotary International and the US Department of State
- As of July 1, 2023 – Fund $350 per exchange student to the district for ESSEX costs (membership, administrative fees, and scholarship contributions)
- Assist with locating and assigning a Rotarian counselor for the student
ESSEX website www.exchangestudent.org
Youth Exchanges are coordinated through – Eastern States Student Exchange (ESSEX) a Rotary multi-district youth exchange network. Each Rotary District works through ESSEX to submit youth candidates and receive country and Rotary District placements.