Exchanges Students

Why is it called an exchange program?
Does that mean that my parents must host a foreign student?

In theory yes! An exchange is made between Rotary organizations here and abroad with our students going abroad and their students coming to the United States. A Rotary club that sponsors students from its community to go abroad also hosts foreign students in exchange. Ideally, parents of outbound students will host a foreign exchange student for a part of the year and help Rotary club obtain host families that will be approved by the club.

How many host families will I have?
Rotary Exchange students are generally hosted by more than one family during their stay, but always in the same school district. This allows for a better understanding of a cultural, socio/economic cross-section, while allowing more families to participate in the program. This should permit flexibility of activities during the year.

How much does it cost?
It is estimated that if the student had to pay for all the expenses for a cultural/study year in another country it would cost between $8,000 to $10,000, perhaps more. So, essentially it needs to be viewed as a scholarship. Generally, the student’s cost will be for round trip airfare, health insurance and sundry expenses. The students receive a monthly allowance of around $60 from the hosting Rotary club in local currency. Considering the expense to maintain a high school youngster for a year, some parents might even come out ahead in spite of the Exchange costs.…