Rotary clubs are seeking applicants for youth exchange programs designed to help students develop leadership skills and expand their education through international travel. The programs offer various options, including long-term stays and specialized vocational experiences for older students.
Information Sessions for Families
A community event held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Joy Atkin Conference Room A in St. George provided information to families interested in having their children become foreign exchange students. The event, organized by Jennifer Bowen, focused on sharing details regarding the various exchange opportunities available through the Rotary organization.
Available Exchange Programs
The Utah Rotary Youth Exchange Program offers three distinct types of outbound exchanges for students. Long-term exchanges are available for students aged 15 to 18, typically lasting 10 to 11 months. During these exchanges, students live with more than one family in a host country and are required to attend school.
Short-term exchanges also serve students aged 15 to 18 and usually last several weeks. These often occur when school is not in session and typically involve a family-to-family exchange, where a host brother or sister returns to stay with the student's family for a period of time.
For students aged 18 to 30, the New Generations Exchanges offer specialized short-term experiences lasting three to six weeks. These programs focus on providing vocational or educational experiences for college or technical school attendees, allowing them to learn skills or provide service in a foreign country.
Application Deadlines and Costs
Applicants for all exchange types must complete the application process before December 15 to leave during the following academic year. Following the application deadline, interviews are held in January, with orientation scheduled for the spring.
Long-term exchange costs in the Utah Rotary District are approximately $7,000, depending on insurance costs. This fee covers round-trip airfare, travel documents, health and accident insurance, housing and food provided by host families, and Rotary-provided items such as an exchange jacket, hoodie, name tag, and buttons.
For short-term and New Generations exchanges, students and their families pay directly for costs including passports, plane tickets, visas, travel insurance, immunizations, and spending money. Rotary charges a $250 fee for a student swag package.
Global Reach and Leadership
The Utah Rotary Youth Exchange Program maintains relationships with numerous countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Wales.
Because limited slots are available for specific countries, students cannot be guaranteed a specific destination. Contact information for program leadership includes Youth Exchange Officer Aaron Lowe and Outbound Coordinator Maria Sharon.
Mission of Rotary Exchanges
The Rotary organization emphasizes that these exchange programs are designed to develop the next generation of leaders by teaching the value of service and expanding educational horizons. By utilizing volunteers and host families who provide room and board without payment, the program aims to be a cost-effective way for students to live and study abroad.
