Rotary Youth
Exchange
student & parent info night: oct 7, 2024
jr robson school, vermilion
Explore the world! Learn a new language and culture! Have the experience of a lifetime!
Become a Rotary Youth Exchange Student!
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year in another country, go to school and live with a few different host families. You will learn a new language and culture, make long lasting friendships, be an ambassador for Canada, and challenge yourself to try new experiences. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.
Are you up for it?
About Rotary Youth Exchange
Requirements
- must be 16-18 years old during 2025/26 exchange year: min 16 yrs old by Aug 2025, cannot turn 19 before July 2026
- be flexible, open-minded, mature, independent, and adventurous
- cannot have graduated from high school in Alberta before going on exchange
- must be of good mental & physical health, and have all immunizations up to date
Exchange Countries
Choose from the following to go on exchange:
Austria Norway Brazil Sweden Denmark Germany
Mexico Finland France
Japan Netherlands
More countries may be added to this list before 2025/26 exchange year
Cost
Exchange fee: $8000
Student’s family pays half ($4000) and Vermilion Rotary Club pays other half
What is covered by exchange fee?
- Flights (including return)
- Student visa and study permit
- Insurance
- Exchange administration cost
- Student blazer jacket
- Language learning programs
- Other necessary items as required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to commit to an entire year on exchange?
Yes, you are expected to commit to the entire exchange which lasts from August 2025 to July 2026. Naturally you will experience some homesickness and miss your family and friends back home, but this will pass as you will make new friends and family on exchange!
Do I need to learn a new language before I leave?
Yes, you will be expected to start learning the language of the exchange country before you depart, but don’t worry you don’t need to be fluent before you leave - you will learn the language quickly during the exchange, and you’ll be fluent by the end of your exchange!
Will I be able to travel during my exchange?
Yes, you will have an opportunity to travel during your exchange with your host Rotary club and district. Travel excursions and trips organized by your host club and district are optional, and will be at your parent’s cost. They are often during Christmas and Easter breaks, depending on your exchange country.
Is it safe to go on exchange to another country?
Yes, Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the safest and most trusted exchange programs globally. 1000's of students go on Rotary Youth Exchange each year, you will be supported by your exchange country’s host Rotary club & district and host families, as well as the Vermilion Rotary Club & Rotary District 5370 in Alberta
Are there any other costs?
Yes, there are some extra costs, other than the $4000 share your family pays for the the exchange fee, you will need to maintain a $500 emergency fund throughout your exchange, and any optional travel excursions or activities, souvenir shopping, or personal spending is at your cost.
Will going to school on exchange count towards my Alberta high school graduation requirements?
No, unfortunately Alberta Education does not count the year of school in your exchange country towards your Alberta high school graduation requirements, you will have to make up for the missed school year when you return home.
Rotary Youth Exchange:
Your Passport to Adventure!
Visit the Rotary International Youth Exchange website below to learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange globally, including stories from past exchange students of how going on exchange changed their lives. Click the link below:
Ready to apply for the 2025/26 Rotary Youth Exchange Year?
Follow the steps below - students currently in grade 10 & 11 (2024/25 school year)from Vermilion, Mannville, Kitscoty, Marwayne, and Dewberry are welcome to apply.
Step 1: Talk to your parents about your interest in going on a year-long exchange during the 2025/26 year. Student & parent information night: October 7, 7:00 pm at JR Robson School, Vermilion
Step 2: Download both the Preliminary Application Form and School Reference Form below. Follow the instructions on each form on how to complete and submit them:
Step 3: Email both forms to yexvermilionrotary@gmail.com by October 14, 2024.
For more information contact:
Look for Rotary Youth Exchange online:
Search for Rotary Youth Exchange on social media:
Karen Munjak
Rotary 5370 northern Alberta district youth exchange committee chair
780-933-3597
