Youth Exchange News | I found my calling on exchange

Why should you come to Atlanta?

Whether you are a seasoned Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention attendee or a first-timer, there is something valuable for everyone. Over 90% of last year’s attendees agreed that their overall experience was positive! Join us in Atlanta to network with YEOs and regional leaders, build new exchange relationships, and learn and share best practices. Don’t miss out, register now before 15 December to secure the early registration pricing.

10 reasons to be a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

“Making the decision to spend a year traveling may be tough, but I will lay out why I think it is in your best interest, and the interest of the world, for you to take a year from your education and experience the world.” Alex Mey shares experiences from his exchange from Canada to Taiwan in 2015-16 on his personal blog to inspire others. Find out why according to Alex Rotary Youth Exchange will also be the most fulfilling, engaging, adventurous and enjoyable year of your life.

Connect online through Rotary

Discussion Groups on Rotary.org are a great place to connect, exchange ideas, and share your Youth Exchange stories. Join the conversation in our Rotary Youth Exchange Group. Ask questions, discover interesting topics, and share best practices with leaders around the world. While you’re online, explore other discussion groups, such as Alumni and Youth Service/New Generations. Get started today.

Two districts have been added to the list of those that have met certification requirements to fully participate in Rotary Youth Exchange. District 1080 (part of England) and District 3051 (part of India) can now both host and send exchange participants.

District 3182 (India—part of Karnataka), Sri Lanka in District 3220 (Sri Lanka; The Maldives), and Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia in District 9010 (Algeria; Morocco; Mauritania and Tunisia) have met certification requirements for outbound Rotary Youth Exchange and can send, but not host, exchange participants. Note: The Maldives in District 3220 and Mauritania in District 9010 are not certified to plan any type of exchanges.

View our complete listing of noncertified districts.

Do you have a Rotary Youth Exchange story?

If you have a story from your year abroad, if your experience as a member of a host family changed your life, if you met new friends and professional connections through your alumni association, tell us about it! Send your story to youthexchange@rotary.org. It could be featured in this newsletter or on the Rotary Voices blog.

Note: This list is informational only and does not constitute an endorsement of any event. Please contact event organizers for details.

36th Annual Brazilian National Meeting of Youth Exchange Program Directors
Aracaju, Brazil
3-5 November

North American Youth Exchange Network 18th annual conference
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
9-11 March

2017 Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
7-10 June
Welcome reception, 7 June
General sessions and workshops, 8-10 June
Youth Exchange Officers banquet (separate Rotary-ticketed event), 9 June
Presidential Peace Conference (included for Preconvention registrants), 9-10 June

2017 Rotary International Convention
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
10-14 June

2017 Rotary International Convention Interfaith Program
Sign up as a youth volunteer
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
11 June

Do you know of an event we should add to this list? Email us at youthexchange@rotary.org.

Resources & reference

Rotary Youth Exchange on LinkedIn
Rotary Service Connections blog
Rotary Code of Policies
Youth Exchange Directory (district and multidistrict Youth Exchange chairs can access by signing in to Rotary.org)

Youth Exchange is a source of news, resources, and event details for those who promote global understanding through the Rotary Youth Exchange program available every other month.

Send questions and story ideas to youthexchange@rotary.org.