Young individuals must be 16 years old at the time of departure to your host country. You will return after the school year is completed in your host country in July 2025. Student applicants cannot

turn 19 years of age while on Exchange. Student applicants cannot have graduated Grade 12. Students are usually in Grade 10 or 11.

Discover the world, foster enduring friendships, and contribute to internaitonal harmony with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. This enriching venture is not just an exchange, but a stepping stone to becoming a compassionate global citizen.

As an exchange student, you’re not just crossing borders, but expanding your horizons to:

• Hone Leadership Prowess: Cultivate essential leadership skills that will serve you throughout life.
  
• Language and Cultural Immersion: Dive into a new linguistic and cultural milieu, enriching your global perspective.
• Forge International Friendships: Build enduring bonds with peers from around the globe, creating a network of international camaraderie.
• Promote Global Peace: By understanding and appreciating the diversity of human experiences, contribute to fostering international experience.
  

Embark on a long-term exchange spanning a full academic year, where you’ll be immersed in the local scholastic and familial environment. While the roster of partner countries varies annually, rest assured that each host club to rigorous, world-class youth protection policies ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Candidates that are 15-16 years old and have a passion for service, building peace and goodwill should contact the Rotary Club of St. Albert at jfeatherley@shaw.ca

Outbound Student Application 2024-2025

What is the Youth Exchange Program?

Emabark on a Life-Changing Journey with Rotary Youth Exchange

As a Rotary Youth Exchange participant, you’re not just moving geographies, but stepping into a realm of endless possibilities. Spend up to a year residing with welcoming host families and attending local schools in a vibrant foreign country.

No matter where you land, every day is a page in a new chapter of learning. You’ll immerse yourself in a unique way of life, discover untapped facets of your personality, and grasp a new language. The world is your classroom.

You’re not just an exchange student, but a cultural envoy. She the richness of your homeland’s culture, traditions, and ideologies with the people you meet. Your journey could spark a dialogue that bridges cultures and fosters global understanding, bringing the world a notch closer. And along the way, you’ll forge friendships that transcend borders.

Join a Legacy of Global Explorers:

Every year, over 8000 young trailblazers like you redefine their boundaries through the Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s more than an exchange; it’s your ticket to a lifetime of enlightenment. Are you up for the transformative adventure?

• October 30, 2023 - Initial application is due. Please email completed application and documents to jfeatherley@shaw.ca
  
• November 30, 2023 - District application due (completed only by successful applicants)
• Early January 2024 - District interview for outbound student and their parents. Mandatory for student and parents to attend.
• Mid March 2024 - Spring Orientation for outbound student and their parents. Mandatory for student and parents. (Only successful applicants)
• End of April beginning of May 2024 - RYLE (Rotary Youth Leadership Experience) and/or RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) for outbound student.
• Future Dates:
  

February 2024 - August 2024 - Attend weekly Rotary meetings whenever possible.

March 2024 - Students receive information about their host country.

March - August 2024 - Begin learning a new language.

August 2024 - Students depart for their host country.

Mid August 2025 - Rebound survivor weekend (mandatory for students and parents)

This is for District 5370 only (includes Northern Alberta, a bit of Saskatchewan, NE, BC and NWT). Age requirements vary per region so if you are NOT in this area please check the appropriate region.

For District 5370 recruiting that occurs in the fall 2023, the student will depart August of 2024, the age requirement is as follows:

For the 2024-2025 exchange, students will be considered eligible for the Rotary Youth Exchange program for District 5370 if you turn 16 before June 30, 2024 and do not turn 19 during the 2024-2025 youth exchange year.

The outbound student MUST be returning to high school upon their return from their long-term exchange year and can not have graduated prior to leaving on long term exchange.

Currently our District is exchanging with these countries (subject to change)

• Austria
  
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Japan
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Other areas in Europe