Long Term Exchange Program

READY TO EMBRACE NEW EXPERIENCES?

The Long Term Exchange Program (LTEP) lasts one year, during which you attend school and live with families in your host country. To gain a greater understanding of the culture, You can gain exposure to the world by staying with at least two, preferably three, host families during your stay. You'll be your countries ambassador. You will also meet new friends and form lifelong international friendships. 

Eligibility

Long-Term Rotary Youth Exchange is open to students ages 16 - 18. You must be at least 16 years old by September 30 and cannot have turned 18 years old before September 30 in the year in which you leave on exchange.  Additionally, you cannot have graduated from high school. To qualify, applicants should be above-average students who have demonstrated leadership in their community. Candidates should also possess qualities such as flexibility and a willingness to try new things that will enable them to fully experience life in another country and become excellent cultural ambassadors. All applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and complete both a written application and in-person interview. 
 
As part of the process, applicants must provide the names and contact information for three potential host families.

Timeline

Students are initially interviewed by members of a sponsoring local Rotary club. This is an information session and interview (in late September or early October) that involves the student and parents. Students are usually selected by November 30th. If accepted the student completes the LTEP application and moves on to the next phase of this amazing adventure.

Finances

The program is completely administered by Rotary club members, keeping program expenses low. Rotary Clubs in the host country are responsible for school tuition, accommodation and food, and a modest monthly allowance (generally around $100 US / month) which can be worth up to $24,000. Typically, students and their parents or guardians are expected to cover an estimated $7,000-$10,000 expenses which include:
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Travel insurance that includes medical, accident, and illness coverage and meets the requirements of the host and sponsor clubs and districts.
  • All travel documents, such as passports and visas
  • Spending money (over and above the monthly allowance provided by the host Rotary club), ancillary travel, and tours
  • Language camp (in some host countries) or other cultural orientation sessions
  • Emergency fund for unexpected expenses during the year

Countries

District 7010 currently exchanges in the full year or LTEP program with countries in Europe and South America and each year additional countries are added depending on the number of exchange students involved in the program.  The countries are selected for their stability and degree of concern about the welfare and safety of our students abroad.  The District Exchange Committee make every effort to place our students in a country that are a good match for their personality and interests.  Countries we have exchanged with include:
Finland/Estonia, Spain, Austria, Croatia, France*, Sweden, Belgium*, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, Denmark, Norway, Taiwan, Chile, Poland, Italy*
*No Vegetarians

Interested in applying?

Rotary Youth Exchanges are administered locally by volunteers, and all applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and district. The first step is to apply with a local Rotary club. If you are not in Rotary District 7010, you must apply with a Rotary club in your home country or district.
 
To find a club near you click here.  Click "How To Apply" to begin the process and be scheduled for a local club interview. Your local club will help guide you through the application and interview process. .  If selected to participate the student will then complete the LTEP application.