Who is eligible for Rotary Youth Exchange?

Students aged 15-18 at time of departure who are currently enrolled in high school with good academic standing (C average or better). Gap year students may also be eligible depending on age at time of travel.

How much does Rotary Youth Exchange cost?

Program fees vary but are significantly lower than other exchange programs because Rotary is a volunteer organization. Students live with host families at no cost and attend local schools tuition-free. Families typically cover airfare, insurance, and personal spending money.

What countries can I go to with Rotary Youth Exchange?

Rotary Youth Exchange operates in over 100 countries worldwide. Students from Districts 5710 and 5680 can choose from 50+ destination countries including popular choices in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.

How long is a Rotary Youth Exchange?

The long-term exchange program is typically one academic year (10-12 months). Students usually depart in late summer and return the following summer. Short-term summer exchanges of 3-8 weeks are also available in some districts.

Do I need to speak another language to participate?

No prior language knowledge is required for most countries. Students are expected to learn the language of their host country during the exchange. Many students achieve near-fluency by the end of their year abroad.

Students - Rotary Youth Exchange Districts 5710 & 5680

Become an Outbound Student

Are you ready to spend a year living in another country? As an outbound student from Districts 5710 & 5680, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and make friends from around the world.

📅 Eligibility

Age 15-18 at time of departure
Currently enrolled in high school
Gap year students may also be eligible, depending on age at time of travel
Good academic standing (C average or better)
Mature and adaptable personality
Willing to learn a new language
Open to new experiences

💰 Costs

We charge a flat fee — no matter where your student travels, the cost is the same. The flat fee covers:

Round-trip airfare
Travel agent fees
Travel and health insurance
Rotary Blazer, apparel and pins
District orientations

Not included: Passport fees, Apostille or Notary's of documents, translation fees for documents, travel to Chicago for an embassy visit (if required for your assigned country).

Host families provide room, board, and treat you as family — no charge!

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for families who qualify. We also offer one near-full-ride scholarship package to one applicant per year.

📝 Application Process

Contact your local Rotary club
Attend an information session
Complete Club Application
Interview with club committee
Complete Full Long-Term Application
District interview
Three required pre-travel orientations (one for parents & students, two for students only)

✈️ Travel Booking Partner

Our district works with Tzell Youth Exchange Travel for booking student flights. They specialize in youth exchange travel and can help coordinate your departure.

Visit Tzell Travel →

Application Timeline

August - September

Information sessions at local clubs

October

Applications due to sponsoring club

November

Club interviews

December (2nd Saturday)

District interviews — both students and parents attend

Spring - Summer

Orientation weekends

August - September

Departure!

Available Countries

Districts 5710 & 5680 has partnerships with districts in many countries. Availability varies by year, but common destinations include:

Argentina

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Denmark

Ecuador

Finland

France

Germany

India

Italy

Japan

Netherlands

Norway

Peru

Romania

Slovakia

S. Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Other countries may also be possible depending on the year — ask us about availability!

Alumni Spotlight

Hear directly from students who have experienced Rotary Youth Exchange firsthand.

Exchange to Belgium

2023-2024 Academic Year

What's your favorite story from your exchange?

"During the first few months in Belgium, I was still learning French and mispronounced one of my Belgian friend's names. Turns out I had been mispronouncing his name the whole year! Another great story is when I was in the French Alps and went on a via ferrata climb. The instructor forgot our helmets — he told us it was very dangerous and that we needed helmets, then proceeded to have us climb without helmets!"

What lessons did you learn while abroad?

"It is completely up to myself to be happy. My mindset is everything. During the first few months in Belgium, it was hard not to think about how good my life was at home in the US, but I had to change my way of thinking. I am here in Belgium, and I am going to start living this life here, because this experience is too short to waste time wishing I was somewhere else. Obviously I still got homesick from time to time, but I appreciated the beauty and love in Belgium. I focused on what was present around me. Also, I learned to be very independent and my confidence grew so much!"

What was the biggest culture shock you experienced?

"I didn't realize how often Belgians talk about the United States. People would just randomly bring up the US for no reason. School in Belgium is also really strict — that was shocking and difficult for me to adjust to. I wasn't even allowed to drink water in my history class! Lastly, everyone is very shy. This made it difficult to make friends at first because not very many people came up to talk to me at school. But I ended up making friends that I still talk to to this day!"

— Kansas student, Districts 5710/5680

Welcome Inbound Students!

If you're coming to Districts 5710 & 5680 from another country, welcome! We're excited to have you join us in Kansas. This page has information to help you prepare for your exchange year.

🏠 What to Expect

Live with 2-3 host families during the year
Attend a local high school
Participate in Rotary events
Experience American culture
Make lifelong friends
Travel on district trips

📋 Your Responsibilities

Follow all exchange rules (the 6 D's)
Attend school regularly
Participate in host family activities
Attend Rotary meetings when invited
Represent your country positively
Stay in touch with your counselor

🚫 The 6 D's (Rules)

No Driving - You cannot operate motor vehicles
No Drinking - No alcohol consumption
No Drugs - No illegal substances
No Dating - No exclusive relationships
No Decorating - No tattoos or piercings
No Data - stay off your phone and BE PRESENT!

These rules keep you safe and ensure a successful exchange.

Preparing for Your Exchange

What to Bring

Clothes for all seasons (Kansas has hot summers and cold winters!)
Photos and small gifts from your country
Any prescription medications (approved from inbound application)
Comfortable walking shoes
Traditional clothing for presentations

What NOT to Bring

Too much luggage (2 bags max)
Expensive jewelry
Excessive electronics
Food items (customs restrictions)

About Districts 5710 & 5680

Districts 5680 and 5710 cover most of Kansas. You might be placed in cities like Wichita, Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence, Salina, or smaller towns throughout the region.

Kansas is known for beautiful prairies, friendly people, and experiencing all four seasons. You'll have the chance to experience authentic American life in the heartland!

Important Resources

🛡️ Insurance (Required)

All inbound students are required to purchase our insurance for their exchange. Please follow the link below and purchase 'Plan D'.

Purchase Plan D Insurance →

🌍 Tours & Travel

Our district only allows Belo USA for extra tours. Students must have approval from many people in both their host country and sponsor country before paying for a trip. Please discuss this with your parents before arriving.

Visit Belo USA →

💉 Kansas Immunization Requirements

Kansas high schools require certain immunizations to be up to date. You may need to get a few before your arrival. Please forward any updated immunization records to your Inbound Coordinator or YEO in case the school asks for them.

2026-2027 KS Requirements (PDF) →

For Students