FOR OUTBOUND STUDENTS:
1. Who can participate in a Rotary Youth Exchange?
Anyone can participate that is between the age of 15 and 18 1/2 when they leave to go on their exchange. Having family that are Rotarians neither helps nor hurts you during the selection process.
2. How much will it cost?
The cost varies depending on where you are going and how much you spend on yourself when you get there. It is conceivable that your parents would spend no more on you to go on an exchange than they would spend on you right here in Texas. The biggest difference is that the cost comes mostly up front. We have a flat fee structure that covers a great deal of your costs.
3. What determines where I get to go?
You will be asked during your interview, what countries are on your top three list. We try to fit students with the country that fits them, their wishes and the arrangements that District 5730 has made. In most cases, students get one of the countries that is on their top three list. Please note that District 5730 does not exchange with english speaking countries in most cases. If you wish to go to a english speaking country, please ask during your interview.
4. Tell me about the Emergency Money I am required to bring.
Most districts will require that you take the equivalent of $400 to give to your Counselor once you arrive as Emergency Money. Anything left over at the end of your exchange will be refunded to you.
5. What if the student and the family don't get along?
There is a support structure in place for Rotary Youth Exchange. Each student is assigned a Counselor to be an advocate for the student during their exchange. If the student and the family are not getting along, the Counselor steps in and handles the situation. Worst case scenario is that the student may have to be moved to a different host family.
6. Why am I required to have more than one host family?
Rotary Youth Exchange requires that you have a minimum of two host families. The reason for this is to allow the student to learn the local culture from more than one family. In addition to that, this requirement helps the student and the family from over-attachment or a bad relationship.
7. Will I be able to graduate on time?
Most students will find difficulty in graduating with their class once they come back from an exchange. It can be done, but it is not simple. Rotary District 5730 cannot guarantee anyone that their year will count academically while they are overseas. Most students return from their exchange and pick up where they left off, just one year back. Please remember that the experience that you gain by going on an exchange far outways the fact that you had to finish high school one year back. Many students will take summer school or school at their local community college to help them stay on track.
8. Can I go after my senior year in high school?
Yes, the only restraint is that you cannot be over the age of 18 1/2 when you leave to go on your exchange. Short-Term Exchange Students may go up to the age of 25.
9. Will my grades overseas count toward my high school average?
No in most cases. Those classes that transfer, usually transfer as pass/fail and therefore will not affect your GPA.
10. Will my parents be able to visit me during my exchange?
No, parents, friends and family are discouraged from visiting during an exchange. Visitations by family and friends only confuses the cultural learning process. Some districts will allow visitations by family at the end of the exchange, but you will need to contact the host district. This includes holidays like Christmas.
11. If I am required to purchase a round trip plane ticket, how will they let me do that this far in advance?
District 5730 requires the use of certain travel companies that will arrange your travel both ways.
12. How do I get my visa?
Some countries require you to get a visa before your departure. You may be required to travel to the nearest consulate or embassy for that country to get your visa. Other countries allow you to get your long term visa once you arrive in country.
13. Should I take my cell phone and laptop on my exchange?
Most students do not take their cell phones on their exchange due to the high cost of overseas rates. It is cheaper to get a cell phone once you arrive in country. As for laptops, you are welcome in most cases to take your laptop, but please remember that if you lose anything valuable during your exchange, it will be up to you to replace it.
14. Should I have a credit card on my exchange?
Yes, most students take a ATM card and a separate credit card to make purchases while you are overseas.
15. Will there be a language camp when I get there?
Most districts encourage students to work on their language before they arrive. Many districts do have language camps once you arrive. Remember that depending on your language skills, you may be required to pay for this camp.
16. What if I get ill or hurt during my exchange?
You will be required to purchase health insurance during your exchange. This will cover you for illness and injury during your exchange and it is especially catered to exchange students.
