The Program

In order to understand some aspects of the exchange adventure, you need to know a few things about the program. The Rotary International Organization has both a long term (10 month period) and short term (1 month overseas 1 month home) program for exchange.  I have done both, but I’ll talk about the Long term first since it is the one that a lot of people are interested in. The long term program is a club-to-club program. After being matched up with a country, a specific Rotary Club in your host city will “Host” you. They will provide between one and five host families for you to live with (the average is about three). You spend roughly ten months in your host country, where your host club provides you with a monthly allowance and language programs, the amount varying by country. You attend a local high school and participate as best you can. Your goal is less about academic achievement, and more about becoming one with your host culture.

 

 In your experience over there, you will make bonds that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Of course, Rotary is not the only exchange program out there, but as far as I know, it’s one of a kind. The safety of the program is extraordinary. All families undergo background checks before being accepted as a host family, and even if your family does not turn out to be a good fit, the Rotary will immediately address the problem and move you to a new one. Rotary exchange also has an established process when problems arise. In the case of a conflict, you first talk to your host family. If the problem is above them or involves them, you then talk to your counselor, who is a member of your host country’s Rotary Club. If he/ or she cannot help then you talk to your Host Club President. Finally as the last resort, you would contact your country contact who is back in your home country. Typically problems are solved before the Club President level. If not, the Rotary organization can pull you home quickly if need be.

Me with my Host Country Counselor