Long Term Exchange

The Long Term Exchange programmes run by Rotary are seen as an experience of a lifetime by the vast majority of its participants. Under these programmes, young people - generally 15 to 19 years old (depending on the target country) - will travel to another country and live there, in two or more host families, for up to 12 months. They normally attend school and experience many of the aspects of the local culture, including learning the local language if they do not already speak it.

The funding of the programme comes from a variety of sources, including the Rotary Club and District both on the sending and receiving end of the exchange and the families that host the student across the year. The student and their family are expected to pay for the cost of the flights and the insurance required by the receiving area - the main variation being the need for specific medical cover, depending on the presence or lack of some form of funded health service.

One significant tradition of the Long Term exchange scheme is the fact that each student has a Rotary blazer, which becomes a collection of memories throughout the year. The idea is that the students themselves take badges or other small items to trade with the other exchange students and then attach to their blazer. They also collect similar items when they go on trips or visit places of interest through the year. Depending on the enthusiasm and collecting ability of the student, the blazer can become an amazing collection of keepsakes - as well as a transportation challenge - by the time the year is over.

If you would like to find out something about the experiences of our students, why not visit our blog at http://blog.rye1060.org.uk.