Short Term Exchange

Application Requirements

  • McMinnville High School Student

  • Age 15-19

  • Multiple Interviews with Youth Exchange committee members

  • Final Candidate/s selected around October

  • Attend training and district events

  • Family of the sponsored student is stressed to agree to hosting the student from the other exchange family. A family to family reciprocal exchange of 6 to 9 weeks, depending on country.

  • Could be consecutive exchanges or staggered, again depending on country

Timeline

  • Your initial application and interview will be with your local Rotary Club.  The timing of club interviews range from late winter to early fall.  

  • Club nomination forms are due by September 30th, so club interviews should be before that. 

  • If accepted at the club level, there is an online district application. We hold an application seminar each year in early October.  

  • All application materials must be submitted to the District STEP Coordinator no later than October 31st of each year.  

  • Families will apply to be host families in mid-December.  

  • A required weekend orientation is held for students in early January and at least one parent is required to join their student and attend for the Sunday morning of that weekend.  

  • There is also a required morning orientation for both students and at least one parent in either late April or May.  

  • Students and families start getting matched in mid-January, but some may not be matched until early June.  

  • Exchanges can start July 1 according to Rotary International.  No students may leave their home for exchange until that date.

Finances

If accepted into the program, there is a $450 deposit.  That fee mainly covers orientations, green Rotary polo shirts, and exchange student business cards.  It does not include the cost of required medical insurance or travel fees. This program is fully funded by the student and their parents.  Total costs vary greatly depending on where you exchange and the length of your exchange.  We estimate costs of around $2,500- $4,500 to take part in the short-term program.

Required January Orientation & Training

Required for Outbound Short-Term students

Each January, usually the first weekend, we take our Outbound Students, both those interested in Short Term and Long Term exchanges for a weekend of training at  Canby Grove Camp and Retreat Center. Over these 3 days we instruct the students regarding being a Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador, budgeting, culture, language, culture shock, food and more.

Rebound and ROTEX students who went on exchange in recent years participate in a panel discussion about common situations that occur during the exchange. Students are encouraged to ask questions.

Parents attend this training and a panel of Rebound parents will provide them with insights into how to cope with and support your student while on exchange. Some of these families have sent ALL of their children on exchange.

If you are interested or would like more information please email us at macrotaryexchange@gmail.com and the McMinnville Youth Exchange officer will get back to you.