December is the last month high school students (ages 15-17) can apply for both the long-term and summer short-term Rotary Youth Exchange programs for the 2023-24 year.
For info and/or the long-term exchange program application, visit https://rotarydistrict7210.org/sitepage/youth-exchange-district-7210-long-term/welcome
For more info about the short-term summer program and/or to request an application, visit https://rotarydistrict7210.org/Stories/short-term-youth-exchange
The Youth Exchange recently returned to District 7210 after a two-year hiatus.
Our District Youth Exchange Committee and Rotary Clubs in the Hudson Valley have been busy in 2022 preparing our outgoing students for their international school year abroad. And, we are hosting five international students in five District 7210 clubs. Rotary Clubs in Greenville, Cairo, Rhinebeck, Millbrook and Walden have all stepped up again to experience the great benefit of hosting a student for the year.
Without the generous involvement of these clubs and their volunteer host families, our District would not have such a successful program over the years. Youth exchange has the benefits of: allowing your club to meet and learn more about a young person from another country; introducing your club and members to a whole new group of community volunteers; making a stronger connection to your local high school; reinforcing or helping create an Interact Club In your high school; introducing your club to activities that involve young people and possibly engage them in community service projects.
By being involved in Rotary Youth Exchange you are hosting and sending abroad youth ambassadors for your Rotary Club, your Rotary District and your country. What greater way is there to build peace around the world.
There are several opportunities for your club to get involved with youth exchange. First, your club can agree to sponsor a high school student for a school year abroad. The student is your selection and doesn’t need to be a Rotarian.
Next, your club can host an international student for the school year. Two-to-three host families are recruited by your club. Plus, one member of your club is trained to be your liaison with the student.
Then, there is also our summer, short-term, family-to-family exchange program that has been popular with clubs and families that are not quite ready for a year abroad or a year of hosting. This program does not involve our local schools or high schools abroad.
These are all great opportunities for our District 7210 clubs to experience the benefits of youth exchange. We hear from returning students all the time that youth exchange has been a positive, life changing event. And former host families create new connections for life. Finally, our clubs with youth exchange experience do it year after year.
So, please consider one of these opportunities for your club. Our District committee is very experienced and will be more than happy to assist with your club's involvement. Just click on the Youth tab on this page for more information.