The Rotary Club of Great Clark County participates in an educational and cultural youth exchange program for high school students. Under the program, you will live in a host country for approximately 10 months, attending high school and living with 1 – 4 host families. Students apply to become a Rotary Exchange Student at the end of their freshman year, or at the beginning of their sophomore year, and if selected will spend their junior year in the hosting country.

You should think seriously about participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, since it affords a wonderful opportunity for travel, study and adventure in a foreign country. This is a broadening experience for students of exceptional promise. Being a Rotary Youth Exchange Student is exciting and challenging, since you will see and learn about another country after living there for just a month or two. It is emphasized that you do not have to come from a family in which there is a Rotary member; everyone is welcome to apply.

Exchanges have been conducted in the following countries: (These countries can change each year.) , , , , , , /, , /Estonia, , , , , , , , , , and .

When chosen as a candidate, an application fee of $900 will be required. Additional major expenses to you will be to provide your own air fare to and from your host country, insurance, and an emergency fund of $500. Other incidental expenses may also be involved, but the year abroad is a bargain, since your food and lodging will be provided by the host families. Some financial aid may be available for those with a demonstrated need.

To apply for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, please fill out an application and submit it to a member of the Youth Exchange Committee as listed below. Your preliminary application must be submitted by September 13, 2019.

Key Dates: • Complete and return Preliminary Application to the local club by August 15, 2020. • Interviews with the local club during the period of September 16-20. • Candidate nomination form postmarked, with check attached to District Outbound YE Coordinator by September 30th. • Final applications postmarked to the District Outbound YE Coordinator by October 31st.

The Greater Clark County Rotary Youth Exchange Committee consists of the following members: Virginia Chapman 360-953-0928 [email protected]

International Exchange Student FAQs – Long Term

1. How do I apply? A. Students are interviewed and selected to be Outbound Candidates by local Rotary Clubs. Candidates must be chosen no later than October of their Sophomore year. The Sophomore year is the training year. The Junior year is the exchange year. The Senior year is the Rebound year.

2. How much does it cost? A. Exchange costs vary by destination but is usually around $5000 to $6000 for the year. This includes the plane ticket ($1500-$3000 depending on the country), the insurance ($700-$1000), Visa fees and travel to the consulate ($100-$400), program fees ($900), spending money for the year and a trip sponsored by their exchange country (but this is optional). Local Rotary Clubs provide significant scholarships for each exchange. We try to keep the cost of the exchange as low as possible by using volunteer Rotarians and Host Families so more students can afford this wonderful experience.

3. Where will I be going? A. Our District exchanges with 23 different countries so there are a lot of options. After the first three months of training, students are assigned to a host country by the District Youth Exchange Committee. Selection decisions are based on the student’s suitability to meet expected and unexpected challenges. The current list of possible exchanges is found in the Club Manual in the Club section.

4. Why don’t I get to choose where I will go? A. Our District only exchanges with areas where we know the Rotarians in charge of their program. We may exchange with a country you are interested in but not the exact city or area of that country. We choose the exchange that has the best chance of success for you.

5. Where will I live? A. Students live with up to three different Host Families while attending school.

6. Can my family visit during my exchange? A. Students may have parental visits only during the last few months of their exchanges with the permission of their Host Family and Country Officer.

7. Must I speak another language to apply? A. No, it helps, but you are expected to learn your new language during your exchange.

8. Do I get credit for attending a foreign school? A. It depends on your local high school. Most students receive credit for the year abroad.

9. Can I travel on my own during my exchange? A: No.

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Application to be completed by the student and submitted to the Rotary Club of Great Clark Count for possible acceptance as an outbound student candidate for overseas placement in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. (You may use the reverse side to complete answers.)

Name: ______Male Female

Address: ______

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Phone: ______Cell: ______

Date of birth: ______Age: ______

Place of birth: ______Citizenship: ______

Parent’s (Guardian’s) name(s): ______

Address: (if different) ______

Occupations: ______

Name of school you attend: ______

School Address: ______

Year in school: ______Current GPA: ______

Religion: ______

What are your school interests and activities? ______

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What are your hobbies and accomplishments (art, music, drawing, etc.)? ______

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______Have you studied a foreign language? Yes No

If yes, how many years, what language, and what degree of proficiency? ______

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Write a short paragraph on why you want to go to another country as a Rotary Exchange Student.

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Have you ever been away from home? Yes No

If so, how long, to what destination, and for what purpose? ______

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Show your first, second, and third choice of areas: Asia, Europe or Latin America

1.. ______2. ______3. ______

Please have your parents sign here to indicate their willingness for you to participate in the Rotary Youth

Exchange Program.

Mother/Guardian: ______Date: ______

Father/Guardian: ______Date: ______

Student signature: ______Date: ______

Date application submitted: ______