The Rotary Clubs of Victoria, Oak Bay and Victoria Harbourside are recruiting for our 2024/25 exchange year and are hoping you can help us get the word out to students who you think would be interested in Youth Exchange.
The Rotary Youth Exchange program is treated like a peace ambassador scholarship; the value is $25,000.00 USD. You do not have to be from a Rotarian family to apply. Unlike other programs Rotary covers nearly the entire cost of the exchange which includes; room and board, school and a monthly allowance. Families are responsible for flights, insurance and spending money. A unique part of our program is that students spend time with three different host families, this helps them have different experiences and really immerse themselves into the culture.
We recognize that all families may note be able to afford these programs, Rotary will never turn away an interested student and have some funding options for those who qualify.
We are having an online information session on Monday June 5th, 2023 @ 6:30pm for students in grade 8-11. Registration is required @ www.rye5020.org. This information session is for any interested students and their parents. We have two different programs; Short Term Exchange is where students spend a month in another country during the summer, the students age can be between 15-19 years old. Our Long Term Exchange program is where students leave in August and return in July, students need to be 16 by September 30th the year they leave and can be no older than 18 when they return in July. Graduating students can go on the short term program but not the long term program. Here is an overview of the timeline for the next available exchange year; Students would apply now with applications closing in late September, students have a local interview in October, District interviews in December, acceptance into the program in mid December, January thru April 2024 Online and in person orientations as well as Visa paperwork and language courses. Leave for exchange in August 2024 and return home in July 2025.