FAQs
What is a New Generation Exchange?
It is an exchange for 18 to 25 year olds who would like the experience of working in a foreign country for three weeks to three months. It is not the normal “tourist type experience” where you return having seen the beaches, the hotel, and a few old buildings.
The New Generation Exchange allows you to do all that with the added bonus of living and working with the people of that country and learning more about what their views and life style is about. You also come back having made many friends for life.
How long can I go for?
This is one of Rotary’s most flexible exchanges and you can go for 3 weeks to 3 months depending on your diary and other commitments.
Do I have to be able to speak a foreign language?
No. There are plenty of countries in the world where English is the main language or second language. For instance India has many different languages but their common language is English.
How much does it cost?
All it costs you is your Airfare; your insurance; and your pocket money.
How long will the process take before I go?
The average time from when you apply to when you go is 8 months. In some instances it is much shorter and in some it is longer – up to one year.
Are there rules regarding the exchange?
Yes, our top priority is the safety of the student and to enable us to do that we have set up a framework of good practice which runs throughout the exchange scheme.
You will be asked to attend an orientation before you leave which will go through the details and give you advice to enable you to get the most out of the opportunity.
What’s in it for me?
Firstly it is excellent for your CV. It shows you have experience in the field of work you want to do. It makes you more “jobable” in the workplace and some students actually go to certain countries because they would eventually want to work there and will make good contacts.
Far more important than all of these is the difference it makes to you as a person – in independence; in confidence; in your outlook on life; in the acquisition of social skills and much more.
Can I drive whilst abroad?
We have never had anyone yet who has driven abroad, there is normally no need. The host family sorts out all transport arrangements whilst you are staying with them, so car hire is an unnecessary expense.
Do I have to host an inbound student?
It is not compulsory, but we ask you to try to do this as it is an important part of the exchange and a means of saying ‘thank you’. It does mean putting yourself out, but we find that in the long term this is a real bonus and, once again, it is an opportunity to make friends for life.
What’s the next step?
If you live in the UK or Ireland please Register your Interest
If you live outside the UK or Ireland then you must contact Rotary in your own country. If you do not know how to do so then send an email to Rotary Head Office in Chicago youthexchange@rotary.org giving your name, city and country of residence and they will be pleased to send you the name and e-mail address of your local Rotary Youth Exchange contact.
If you have any other questions then Contact Us
