Port Townsend

Rotary Club of Port Townsend Youth Exchange

Youth Exchange is designed for High School students to travel and study in a different environment. Students are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Townsend.

The program offers to and asks of participants an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living These are the same values that define Rotary itself.

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.

Rotary Youth Exchange students serve as ambassadors for their countries, form lifelong international friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

What are the benefits?

Exchange students:

Develop lifelong leadership skills
Learn a new language and culture
Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
Become a global citizen

How long do exchanges last?

Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.

Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.

Ready to embrace new experiences?

The Long-Term Exchange Program (LTEP) is a transformative journey that lasts 10–11 months over an academic year. During this time, exchange students attend school and live with 2–3 host families in the host country, immersing themselves in the culture and gaining a broader global perspective.

Eligibility

To qualify:

Students must be at least 15.5 years old by September 30^th of the year they leave for exchange.
They cannot be older than 18 on July 31^st of the year they return.
They must not have graduated from high school.

Rotary is looking for above-average students who demonstrate leadership, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. These qualities will help the student thrive as a cultural ambassador.

All applicants must:

Be sponsored by a local Rotary club.
Complete an online application and participate in an in-person interview.
Provide names and contact information for three potential host families.

Timeline

The application process follows this timeline:

June & September: Online information sessions for students and families.
August 1: Applications open for the following academic year.
October: Interviews with local Rotary Clubs; selections finalized by the end of the month.
November: Complete the district-level application within 3–4 weeks of local selection, due by the third weekend. Families will incur minor costs for medical and dental forms and other tests.
December (1st Weekend): Mandatory district-level interviews in Victoria, BC. These interviews help determine the best country placement.
January–April: Online and in-person orientations, including a mandatory in-person student orientation weekend in late April.
April/May: Visa application process.
August: Depart for exchange.
June/July (following year): Return from exchange.

Cost

Rotary’s volunteer administration keeps program costs low. The program, valued at approximately $25,000, covers school tuition, accommodations, food, and a modest monthly allowance (about $100).

Global Fee: $8,500 USD, paid in four installments starting in December. This fee includes:

Round-trip airfare and visa support.
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Pre- and post-orientations.
Cultural orientation (e.g., language camp, if required).
Administrative costs.
Pimsleur language training.
Business cards, regalia, hoodie, and other items.

Additional Costs (not included in the Global Fee):

Spending money, ancillary travel, and tours.
A $500 emergency fund held by the host club.
Visa application fees and any notary/legal costs.

Countries

Candidates rank their top 15 country preferences during the application process. While the aim is to place the student in one of the top three choices, placements focus on ensuring success. Applicants need to be prepared to go anywhere!!!

How To Apply:

Rotary Youth Exchanges are locally administered by volunteers. Begin by contacting us and we will provide guidance through the application and interview process.