Welcome to Rotary District 9710’s Youth Exchange Website

               

(Our Class of 2008 - Naho, Bridie, Rohan, Amy, Ally, Tessa, Courtney, Tom, Fabi, Reeta, Bernadette, Stephen,

Zoey, Bianca, Dominik, Mari, Sam, Val, Hugo, Karen, Daria, Angielynne, Gabi, Alastair, Alexia, Doruk, Natapan, Douglas)

 

If you live in Canberra or South East NSW and are aged between 15 and 18 years and six months as of January 2009, then you can apply for a 12 month experience overseas.

 

Applicants should be no younger than 15 and no older than 18 years and six months as of 31st January 2009.

 

Tell me more...

Youth Exchange is an official program of Rotary International where around 8000 students exchange annually to around 60 different countries.

In this District (9710) we currently offer exchange opportunities to:

·          Austria

·          Belgium

·          Brazil

·          Canada

·          Denmark

·          Finland

·          France

·          Germany

·          Japan

·          Mexico

·          Sweden

·          Switzerland

·          Thailand

·          Turkey

·          USA.

 

This list varies a bit from time to time, so it doesn't hurt to ask if we are exchanging with a country not listed here.

 

While you can nominate a preference for a country, we can't guarantee you will get your first choice.

 

 

How does the Exchange work?

As a Rotary Exchange student you will spend one year living in another country, usually with three or four host families.

The host families are volunteers who will welcome you into their home, supervise your year and introduce you to their culture and lifestyle.

In your host country you may learn another language, experience different foods, study different subjects and enjoy a new culture and a new way of living. The exchange offers you the opportunity to learn a great deal about yourself, gain confidence and self-sufficiency, as well as become an ambassador for your country.

You will attend school in your local community, as well as participate in Rotary activities and civic functions. At the same time you will be making heaps of new friends, visit exciting places and experience adventures that you will have for life.

In short, it should be a life changing experience.

 

How much does it cost? 

As a guide, the cost for Youth Exchange from this District is approximately $7,000.00

 

 

 

Amounts vary but we suggest you allow approximately $5,000 for spending money throughout the year.

 

Naturally, you have to consider these amounts against what it normally costs to keep you for 12 months living at home.

 

 

 

Hey, I’m interested, who can apply?

The exchange is open to any student enrolled in full time secondary education at the time of application who meets the age criteria.

The preferred age of applicants is generally between the ages of 15 years 6 months and under 18 years six months of age at the time of departure. This is always in January of the year following the application.

Now to get to go, you have to be making sound progress at school, have a general interest in people and places, possess a good knowledge of Australia and be able to convince us that you would make a good ambassador for both our district and country.

 

 

How do I apply?

Complete this Preliminary Application Form and submit it to your local Rotary Club before 15 April 2008. If you need help in finding a Rotary Club or submitting your application, contact Geoff Purvis Smith (gaps@iname.com).

 

 

What happens next?

We’ll review your application and be in touch to organise an interview. A Club interviews applicants in the first instance, followed by a District Interview in early June.

Don’t forget to submit your application to your local Rotary Club BEFORE 15 April 2008.

 

 

I’ve got more questions

Contact your local Rotary Club and ask to speak to the person responsible for Youth Exchange, or email us at gaps@iname.com

You can also download some information brochures from Rotary International by clicking the highlighted links:

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/752en.pdf

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/755en.pdf