Outbounds

District 6220’s Rotary Youth Exchange study abroad program offers a unique international, cultural and educational experience for qualified students from Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Exchanges typically take place during the junior or senior year of high school, or as a gap year after high school graduation.

The Rotary Youth Exchange objectives are to:

1. Develop international understanding and goodwill
2. Become fully immersed in another culture
3. Share your cultural values with others

Applicant Qualifications:

1. Age 15.5 to 18.5 at the time of departure (August 1)
2. Have a GPA of at least 2.75, or be in the top 50% of your class
3. Have full support of your parents
4. Attend 3 mandatory orientation conferences (October, April, and July)
5. Be open to new experiences and cultural differences
6. Foreign language experience is NOT required
7. Participation in extra-curricular activities and organizations is helpful, as it demonstrates your ability to participate as a team member in sometimes stressful situations
8. Follow the rules of the program and be able to accept counsel and advice from Rotary volunteers
9. You will attend high school full-time in your host country (even if you’ve already graduated from high school in the USA) and be a student ambassador, sharing your own culture and adapting to your host country’s culture.

Picking your host country

We cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to a particular country. However, during the application process, you will be asked to consider a list of about 40 countries and prioritize your top picks among those for which you are qualified (some countries limit access based on language ability, age, and diet or health considerations). Click here for more information on country selection.

While in your host country, you will receive:

1. One year’s education at a public or private high school
2. A host family who will provide room and board and other support during your exchange year
3. The opportunity to travel in the country and region

Cost of the Long-Term Exchange Program:

The cost for 2024 travelers is $6,800, which includes the following:

• Round trip airfare and your visa to your assigned country 
• Health and accident insurance during your year abroad
• Training conferences for students and parents – Fall and Winter
• Rotary blazer, reading material, and other goodies
• Language camps (if required by your host country)
  

Sounds Great! What do I do now?

1. Contact your local Rotary Club to ask them about their selection process for the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Locate your local Rotary club here: 6220 Rotary Clubs Some local clubs may not participate in RYE. Can’t find a local club? Email us at districtchair@rye6220.org Or fill out this form and we will contact you More Information/I am interested!
2. Deadline for applying is up to the local Rotary club- usually in September
3. Once you’re selected by your club, you and your parent(s) will attend the District 6220 Fall Orientation Conference (mid-October)
4. Complete the Long-Term Program exchange application (directions on how to complete are given at the Fall Conference). 
5. By early January, you’ll get your country assignment!
6. You and your parent(s) will attend the District 6220 Winter Orientation Conference (late February or early March)
7. Make your travel arrangements (don’t worry, we’ll help you!)
8. Make plans for the big Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan in July. You will join over 1,100 fellow exchange students! It’s a big deal!
9. Get ready to go overseas to your host country, your new home, your new family, and your new school!

Rules of Conduct and Conditions of Exchange

Yes, of course there are rules! Click below to learn more: