Rotary Youth Exchange began in 1927 when the Rotary Club of Nice, France initiated exchanges with students in other European countries.  The exchange idea spread and by 1939 western USA and South American countries were actively participating as well.  Individual clubs, recognizing the valuable experience this offered to young people in their communities, continued to join in the increasingly popular movement.  Finally, in 1972 it was promoted by the RI Board of Directors to clubs worldwide. 

 

Today thousands of students, ages 15 through 19, travel every year to more than 80 countries to share in this enriching life experience.  Rotary Youth Exchange serves as fertile ground for the seeds of cultural exposure that are planted during each student’s time abroad; seeds that grow into lifetime friendships with both their fellow students and their host families, and a personal commitment to global peace and international understanding.

 

Click on the picture below for a short video that was a promotional video from Prince George, British Columbia, Canada for the 2013-2014 exchange year and learn from the kids themselves how this important program affected their lives.