Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Club of Plymouth, Michigan

Change a Life. See the World. Build Peace.

Rotary Youth Exchange is one of Rotary International’s flagship programs, connecting students, families, and communities across the globe. For nearly a century, Rotary has helped young people become global citizens while building international understanding and lifelong friendships.

Each year, thousands of students participate in exchanges in more than 100 countries, living with host families and attending school abroad.

What is Rotary Youth Exchange?

Rotary Youth Exchange offers students ages 15–19 the opportunity to live and study in another country while serving as ambassadors of their culture.

• Long-Term Exchange: Full academic year abroad
• Short-Term Exchange: Several weeks to a few months
• Students live with multiple host families and attend local schools

Through this experience, students:

• Learn a new language
• Experience a new culture firsthand
• Develop independence and confidence
• Build lifelong global friendships

Rotary Youth Exchange “builds peace one young person at a time” by fostering understanding across cultures.

For Students & Families: Become an Exchange Student

Why Participate?

Rotary Youth Exchange is more than travel—it is a transformational life experience.

Students will:

• Live as a member of a family in another country
• Attend school and participate in community life
• Gain leadership, adaptability, and global perspective
• Represent their home community and country

Students often return home with:

• Increased independence and maturity
• Strong college and career advantages
• A broader understanding of the world

Who Can Apply?

• High school students (typically ages 15–19)
• Open to both Rotarian and non-Rotarian families
• Students who are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn

Call to Action – Students

Take the first step toward a life-changing experience.
If your child is ready to grow, lead, and explore the world:

Contact the Rotary Club of Plymouth today to learn how to apply
Attend an information session or speak with a Youth Exchange representative

plymouthrotaryyouthexchange@gmail.com

For Families: Become a Host Family

Bring the World to Plymouth

Hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student is a rewarding way to experience another culture—without leaving your home.

Host families:

• Welcome a student as a member of the family
• Typically host for 3–4 months (multiple families share the year)
• Provide room, meals, and a supportive home environment

Hosting offers:

• Lifelong friendships around the world
• Cultural exchange for your entire family
• A unique opportunity to “adopt” a son or daughter from another country

Families consistently describe the experience as life-changing—for both the student and themselves.

Who Can Be a Host Family?

• Families of all types—single, married, with or without children
• You do not need to be a Rotarian
• A safe, welcoming home environment is the most important requirement

All host families complete a screening and training process to ensure student safety and success.

Call to Action – Host Families

Open your home. Open your world.

Volunteer to host an exchange student in Plymouth
Contact us to learn about upcoming hosting opportunities
Help shape a young person’s future while enriching your own family’s life

plymouthrotaryyouthexchange@gmail.com

The Impact of Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange creates lasting benefits for:

Students

• Develop leadership and global awareness
• Gain independence and confidence

Families

• Build lifelong international relationships
• Experience new cultures firsthand

Communities

• Strengthen global understanding and goodwill
• Promote peace through personal connection

Join Us

The Rotary Club of Plymouth is proud to support Rotary Youth Exchange and the next generation of global leaders.

Get Involved Today

•  Apply to become an exchange student
•  Volunteer as a host family
•  Support youth and global understanding in our community

Contact the Rotary Club of Plymouth, MI to get started
Visit Rotary.org to learn more about Youth Exchange

plymouthrotaryyouthexchange@gmail.com