FAQs For Students

Rotary District 5340 offers two types of exchanges:

• • Long-term: This exchange is open to students ages between 15 and 18-1/2 (at time of departure) and typically lasts 10-12 months. Most students are 16-18 years old during their exchange year. The student lives with more than 1-3 host families in the host country and is required to attend school. Long-term exchanges may be extended to include part or all of the holiday/vacation periods immediately before or after the academic year.
  • Short-term: This exchange is open to students ages 15-25 and ranges from 3-6 weeks abroad and usually takes place during the summer when school is not in session. Short-term exchanges typically involve a Rotary district-organized exchange of a son or daughter between two families, but they may also take the form of international youth camps or tours that bring together students from many countries.
  • Summer Camp: These programs offer international opportunities that bring together students from many countries. Over 50 international summer camps are offered for students who want to make friends and international connections and experience traveling abroad. Generally camps are 2-3 weeks in length.

Rotary’s Youth Exchange program is open to young men and women, between the ages of 15 and 18-1/2 (at time of departure), for sons and daughters of Rotarians AND non-Rotarians alike. Applicants are selected by a sponsoring Rotary club and SCANEX leadership based on an online application and personal interviews, one by the local Club and one by SCANEX leadership. Applicants are not required to be involved with Rotary in any way before applying. Children of Rotarians are welcome to participate but are not given any preference. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Exchanges can occur between any two countries where there are Rotary clubs and are certified to conduct exchanges. Approximately 65 countries and regions annually sponsor or host Youth Exchange students. SCANEX currently has an exchange relationship with over 30 countries. Refer to the Long Term Exchange page for a sample list of the countries which SCANEX has done exchanges with for its students.

With proper planning, studying abroad for a year will not require an additional year of high school once you return. There are ways to complete your coursework outside of the normal high school academic year. By working with your counselor, prior to leaving you can consider taking evening classes, summer classes, online classes or college classes that can be accepted for credit to meet the required courses to graduate high school.

Some students enroll in AP/Concurrent Enrollment (University courses) credit courses, many students come back to take these types of courses at their reduced rates to save money on college courses. Once again, meeting with your high school counselor is the best approach to set up your courses when it comes to participating in our program.

With proper planning, studying abroad for a year will not require an additional year of high school once you return. The acceptance of classes while studying abroad varies from school district to school district. Our advice is for you to talk to your high school counselor. She or he will let you know what courses will be accepted, if any. Also, we highly recommend that you get in writing the agreement made with your high school. Oftentimes, high school counselors leave or “forget” while you are away for a year. Having a written document secures your credits.

Students accepted into the program are required to sign and abide by a list of program rules 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 to be sure that everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected. Program rules generally consist of common-sense stipulations, such as no driving of motor vehicles and the need to obtain special permission for travel while on the exchange. Full rules can be found here.

Students will be placed with 2-3 host families during their year abroad.  Just as you sometimes may experience at home, there may be situations where you do not agree with your host families, or you find their cultural mannerisms bothersome.  Part of the exchange experience is learning to adapt and overcome adversity and make the most of situations.

Most host districts do not require students to be fluent in the local language on arrival.  Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in classes to develop a basic competency before departure.  Language proficiency is sometimes needed to obtain a visa, and host districts may require exchange students to take language classes after they arrive.  An ability to understand the language will help students become comfortable with their new surroundings and ease homesickness.

Possibly.  Larger clubs which host more than one student may have 2 or more students placed at your host school.  Likewise other exchange agencies may have students placed at your host school as well.

Most host countries do not have organized sports programs at school.  Sports are done primarily through clubs and there may be the opportunity for students to participate.  Art and music activities may be possible to participate in.

Of course, but the primary objective during your time abroad is to fully engage in the host country, learn the language, and maximize your experiences.  Our experience is if you are regularly talking with your friends (and family), it may impact your adoption of your host language and take away from you building relationships and friendships in your host country.