Youth Exchange
Developing future world leaders and peace builders
Study abroad programs create worlds of possibilities, lifelong memories and new friendships for both students and the families they live with during their time away. Designed for high school students, Rotary Exchange offers a fun, yet safe way to travel and immerse yourself in another country.
Rotary Youth Exchange is an experiential program that provides students ages 15-18 1/2 the opportunity to study abroad while experiencing another culture, learning a new language and becoming a global citizen. It was started in the 1920s by Rotary International, an international service organization of more than a million business and professional leaders worldwide. By sponsoring inbound and outbound exchange students, Rotary clubs strive to build peace one young person at a time.
In addition to building lifelong skills in leadership, understanding of other perspectives and the ability to adapt to new environments, Rotary exchange students build lifelong friendships.
About Rotary Youth Exchange and ESSEX
Rotary District 7505 collaborates with ESSEX to help organize our District 7505 Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
So, what is ESSEX?
The Eastern States Student Exchange (ESSEX) is a consortium of Rotary districts (a group of Rotary clubs in a geographic region) that organizes Rotary Youth Exchange programs. ESSEX supports long-term and short-term exchanges in 16 states in the eastern United States, Bermuda and Quebec, Canada. ESSEX serves as a resource for outbound and inbound students, host families and hundreds of volunteers at the district and club level.
Be an Exchange Student
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Travel abroad for an entire year or four weeks.
What Parents Need to Know
Learn travel abroad benefits for your teen and why Rotary is one of the safest programs.
Become a Host Family
Enrich the lives of your family and an exchange student by opening your home and hearts.