learn about other cultures and other languages. Students are required to attend high school
and live with 2-3 host families during a period of one school year. The program is
coordinated at the Rotary District level and supported and hosted at the local club level, the
New Paltz Rotary Club. Rotary District 7210, spanning eight counties and 62 clubs in the
beautiful Hudson Valley of New York State, works directly with other certified Rotary
Districts around the globe. The Rotary District 7210 Youth Exchange Program is organized
with Inbound and Outbound Committees and a Youth Protection Officer and is led by a
Chair. It is supported by the Rotary District’s Rotary Clubs and their YEX Committees and
Youth Exchange Officers.
Rotary YEX Outbound Student
A high school student between the ages of 15 and 17 residing in the Rotary District 7210 and complying with Youth Exchange qualifications will be hosted by an international Rotary Club for a period of 10-12 months. During this time students will attend high school, learn the language, become immersed in the local culture and represent their country and Rotary.
A local Rotary Club in District 7210, referred to as the Sponsor Club, will sponsor the student for this exchange by recommending the student for consideration to the District Youth Exchange Committee.
How do I qualify?
Applicants should exhibit:
Above average academic skills
Demonstrated leadership in their community
Outgoing personality that allows for ease in conversations and public presentations
Receptivity to new experiences and cultural differences
Sponsorship by the New Paltz Rotary Club
Completed written application and in-person interview
What are my responsibilities?
As a Youth Exchange student, you agree to:
Act as an ambassador for your home country and Rotary International.
Abide by all program rules of the New Paltz Rotary Club and Rotary District 7210 as well as your host District.
Learn the language of your exchange country.
Be an active part of your host families.
Be an active participant in your exchange.
Attend and participate in school abroad.
Where will my exchange be?
Rotary District 7210 exchanges with partners in Europe, Asia and South America. You may indicate a preference for a region and/or country, but final placement is at the discretion of the Rotary District Youth Exchange Committee.
How much will it cost?
Youth Exchange is coordinated at the regional level by Rotary Districts and at the local level by Rotary Clubs. Costs vary greatly from one area to another. In Rotary District 7210 the following costs are paid by the student’s family approximately, $5,500):
Round-trip airfare (with required program provisions)
Health and accident insurance (required by Rotary; program specified by the Host District)
Visa
Tzell Travel Agency Services
Language Camp – If Required by the Host District
District 7210 Youth Exchange Program charges an application fee (currently $200) and a program fee (currently $1500) to cover a portion of program costs including:
Preliminary Interviews
Orientations
Business Cards, T-Shirt
Program Support and Postage
The New Paltz Rotary Club in Rotary District 7210 makes a financial contribution to cover a portion of the program cost including volunteer and host family training and background checks, badges, pins, banners, a Rotary blazer, and attendance at the Rotary District 7210’s annual District Conference. The New Paltz Rotary offers scholarships to qualifying students to help offset the overall cost of the program. If selected by the New Paltz Rotary Club to move forward for Rotary District consideration, you may request a scholarship application.
The students are also afforded a monthly stipend by their Host Rotary Club overseas which varies from place to place (in the US this is $100 per month).
How do I get started?
1. Fill out the Preliminary Application, write an essay on why you want to be an exchange student and get a school transcript (or report card).
2. Submit to the New Paltz Rotary Club, attn. YEX Committee, PO Box 352, New Paltz, NY 12561
3. Meet with the New Paltz Rotary Club for a club interview (early fall).
4. The club will let the district committee know if they will sponsor you.
5. The district committee will schedule you for an interview. Interviews will be conducted as applications are submitted.