Rotary International
What is Rotary International?
Rotary International is a global service organization that aims to unite professionals and business leaders to engage in humanitarian efforts, promote ethical values across all professions, and foster goodwill and peaceful coexistence worldwide. It is an inclusive organization that welcomes individuals of all races, colors, creeds, religions, genders, and political affiliations. Rotary counts over 1.4 million members spread across almost 46,000 clubs worldwide. These members, commonly known as Rotarians, hold regular meetings over meals to socialize and plan their service initiatives. The organization's primary motto, "Service Above Self," emphasizes the importance of putting others first, while its secondary motto, "One profits most who serves best," highlights the personal fulfillment that comes from helping others.
To get additional information on Rotary's Vision and Mission, visit rotary.org/en/about-rotary.
Overview of the Rotary Long-Term Exchange Program
The Rotary Organization aims to make the world a better place. Members do this by funding youth programs across the globe. Something worth mentioning is that you do not need to be a member to participate in these programs. The most popular Youth Program is the long-term exchange program, which gives high school students the possibility to study one year abroad. The cost varies from country to country. Generally speaking, students need to cover the following expenses:
• Application fee
• Round-trip airfare
• Travel Insurance
• Travel documents (e.g. Visa)
• Additional money
Something that - as far as I know - is unique to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is that participants also receive pocket money every month from their host clubs. The amount also varies, but usually, it's something between $50 and $250. With it, students can pay for their lunch at school, clothes, or anything they could be in need of.
Something that - as far as I know - is unique to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is that participants also receive pocket money every month from their host clubs. The amount also varies, but usually, it's something between $50 and $250. With it, students can pay for their lunch at school, clothes, or anything they could be in need of.
Long-Term Exchange Program Requirements
To be eligible for the long-term exchange program you are:
• between 15 and 19 years of age;
• flexible and willing to try new things;
• Willing to serve as an ambassador for your country.
• Open to cultural differences;
You need to contact the nearest Rotary Club for applying. Usually, if you want to spend a year abroad, you need to apply at least 9 months prior to departure.
Other Rotary Youth Programs
If being away from home for a whole year is not for you, worry not. Rotary offers a wide range of programs, including shorter ones:
• Grants and Scholarships.
Can I ask if it's easy to get accepted or if it's open just to a certain social class? I've heard a lot that Rotary just accepts people who are placed in a social class, high enough to be considered.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't and still not a Rotarian, I didn't know anyone involved. I applied and I got sent to my host state choice! I'd say it is easy to be accepted, but I don't know if that changes from District to District..
DeleteTo be considered for a Rotary exchange program it will usually depend on the amount of applications the individual rotary club gets and also whether there are enough clubs offering to take/host exchange students.
ReplyDeleteThe applicant does not need to be affiliated with Rotary in any way (through family relations etc.) to apply - anyone is able to apply for the exchange program. However, some clubs insist that the family sending a student out/overseas must also be able to host an exchange student for at least a few months, either whilst their own son/daughter are away or later on. The families are not paid to host students, so one must be aware that this puts extra cost on a family.
Thank you for your complete comment!
DeleteI would love to become a Rotary Exchange student.
ReplyDeleteDo it! Have you contacted your local rotary club?
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