Rotary Youth Exchange
This is one of Rotary's most popular programs to promote international understanding and develop lifelong friendships. It began in 1927 with the Rotary Club of Nice, France. In 1939 an extensive Youth Exchange was created between California and Latin America. Since then the program has expanded around the world with more than 7,000 young people participating annually. High school student participants find an "excellent opportunity to learn about customs, languages, traditions and family life in another country. Youth Exchange offers young people rich experiences to see another part of the world." Long term participants usually spend a full academic year abroad and Short term participants usually exchange during the summer months. For each U. S. student going abroad, their must be a student coming from one of the participating countries.
