Rotary Youth Exchange is building world peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and gain personal knowledge of a country to augment the views they read about in newspapers and magazines. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. Poulsbo Rotary has been sponsoring inbound students since 1978 and outbound students since 1982.
Youth Exchange is in every case a life-changing experience for the student, but often it is for us as well. We still communicate with and cherish many of our past exchange students. The Covid-19 crisis has paused our exchange program in 2020, but here were our exchange students in 2019-20:
Recent Exchange Students
Leo Jochmann (2020)
Dresden, Germany
Duda Blé (2020)
Salvador, Brazil
How to Apply
The Youth Exchange selection process is managed through our Rotary District 5020. Our club isn’t involved in selecting inbound students. Generally, inbound students live with three different host families who may or may not be members of our club. The club completes a youth protection screening process for host families and others from our club who have close involvement with our students. Students attend high school and participate in activities.
For example, Duda was a member of the North Kitsap High School swim team. Students attend and regularly participate in our club meetings. Our club members invite students to participate in activities in our local area and sometimes travel as part of their families to other destinations, all offered to broaden their experience of life in the US. The District also organizes activities for the inbound students as a group, so they can share their mutual experiences of living abroad, as well as often forming lasting friendships.
You can find out more information about the outbound programs available at this link. This site contains extensive information about what to expect, past student experiences, and what expenses are involved.
Ready to Apply?
If you are interested in applying for the program, follow this link to learn more and download application forms.
Want to be a Host?
If you are interested in hosting one of our inbound exchange students, please contact John Waller.