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Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
- Develop lifelong leadership skills
- Learn a new language and culture
- Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
- Become a global citizen, building international peace and understanding
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families. Countries that we exchange with vary from year to year, however each host club must adhere to the comprehensive, world class, youth protection policies
How can I apply?
Candidates that are 15-16 years old and have a passion for service, building peace and good will should contact the Rotary Club of Westlock at laura.morie@gmail.com
Applications are accepted each year from August-October with student preparation following, from January-August.
Rotary District 5370 High School Personal Reference
Student – fill out the top part of this form and hand in to your school counsellor or similar. Questions? Refer to web site for details and contacts.
Applicant’s Full Legal Name
Home Address – Street
-mail Address
City
Date of Birth
State/Province
Postal Code
Male
Female
Country
Home Phone Number
Mobile Phone Number
Evaluator: This student is applying for a one-year educational study abroad program under Rotary club/district sponsorship. Please complete and forward this form within seven days of receipt. The information you submit will not be revealed to the student, unless required by law.
1. Ratings Area
Creative, original thought Independence, initiative Intellectual ability Emotional stability Academic achievement Openness to new ideas Flexibility, adaptability Ability to communicate Potential for growth Disciplined habits Participation
Excellent
Good
Average
Below Average
No Basis to Rate
2. Do you believe the applicant has the ability, work habits, character traits, and flexibility to succeed in an unfamiliar environment that will include
learning a foreign language? Yes No
3. Do you believe the applicant’s parents/legal guardians support his/her wish to spend time abroad? Yes No Not Sure
Please use the reverse side of this form to explain your answers to questions 2 and 3, and add any additional comments on the applicant’s
suitability as an exchange student and cultural ambassador.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this student as a future Rotary Youth Exchange student (check one):
Strongly Recommend No Opinion Do Not Recommend
Name and Title (type or print)
Signature (in blue ink)
Name of School
Phone
Strongly Do Not Recommend
Date (e.g., 01/Jan/2006)
DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT.
Rotary Youth Exchange Program: Personal Reference
Section G, Page 1 of 1
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with a few host families and attending school in a different country.
Where ever you reside, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.
More than 8,000 young people each year have experiences like these through Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Are you ready for it?
The Rotary Club of Westlock has been part of Youth Exchange since 1977. We are searching for an exchange student this fall, 2024. These “outbounds” (as we like to call them!) will depart in the summer of 2025 and return summer 2026. (Typically the school year)
In November 2024 we again will choose outstanding individuals that have what it takes to be a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Is that you?
October 30, 2024 Initial application is due. Please email completed application and documents to laura.morie@gmail.com
November 4, 2024 – This is the day we will interview all candidates and their parent(s). It’s important all attend (candidate, parent(s).)
November 4, 2024 – our proposed exchange students for the 2024/2025 school year are chosen! The journey of course has just begun! Date to be confirmed and location to be announced.
November 30, 2024 District application due (completed only by successful applicants).
Early January 2025 – District interview for outbound student and their parents. Mandatory for both parents and students to attend.
Mid March 2025 – Spring Orientation for outbound student and their parents. Mandatory for student and both parents. (only successful applicants)
End of April beginning of May 2025– RYLE (Rotary Youth Leadership Experience) and/or RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) for outbound student
Further dates:
February 2025 – August 2025 – attend weekly Rotary meetings whenever possible
March - June 2025 – students receive information about their host country
March – August 2025– begin learning a new language
August 2025 – students depart for their host country.
Mid August 2026 – rebound survivor weekend (mandatory for students and parents)
This is for District 5370 only (includes northern Alberta, a bit of Saskatchewan, NE BC and NWT). Age requirements vary per region so if you are NOT in this area please check the appropriate region.
For District 5370 recruiting that occurs in fall 2024, the student will depart August of 2025, the age requirement is as follows:
For the 2025-2026 exchange, students will be considered eligible for the Rotary Youth Exchange program for District 5370 if you turn 16 before June 30, 2025 and do not turn 19 during the 2025-2026 youth exchange year.
The outbound student MUST be returning to high school upon their return from their long-term exchange year and can not have graduated prior to leaving on long term exchange.
Currently our District 5370 is exchanging with these countries (subject to change):
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Japan
Netherlands,
Norway
Sweden
Switzerland
Other areas in Europe
