Who is District 5495?
What is Rotary Youth Exchange?
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 18.5 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
- Develop lifelong leadership skills
- Learn a new language and culture
- Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
- Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
*District 5495 is one of two Rotary Districts in the State of Arizona, USA. Our District covers two-thirds of the State of Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area and surrounding cities and everything North, East and West of those areas, as well as one city in California (Needles) and one in Nevada (Laughlin). District 5500 covers the southern one-third part of the State.
District 5495 is now one of two Rotary Districts in the State of Arizona, USA. Our District covers two-thirds of the State of Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area and surrounding cities, and everything North, East and West of those areas, as well as one city in California (Needles) and one in Nevada (Laughlin). District 5500 covers the southern one-third part of the State.
Rotary International is a world-wide humanitarian organization made up of 35,000+ clubs in over 200 countries. In total, there are about 1.2 million active Rotarians around the globe. Rotarians as a whole share interest in promoting peace, education, healthcare, and the growth of local economies. Rotary's motto is Service Above Self, clubs organize and participate community service projects that may benefit their local community, or support an international cause. Some of the service projects that Rotarians participate in around the globe include but are not limited to End Polio Now, safe drinking water, literacy projects, healthcare, Shelter Box, disaster relief, and much more.
To learn more about Rotary International, please check out: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary.
Inbound Chair
Machel Considine
5495inbounds@gmail.com
1-480-235-0814
*District 5495 Contacts:
What is Rotary International?
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
- Round-trip airfare
- Medical Insurance
- Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
- Spending money and any additional travel or tours
- A few countries have a mandatory language camp, at a cost to the student
How can I apply?
Candidates are 15-18.5 years old and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
Can I host an exchange student?
Hosting an exchange student can be incredibly rewarding for your family, bringing an international experience directly into your home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. All host families are screened and trained.
If you’re interested in learning more about being a host family, please contact us!
District Youth Exchange Officer and Outbound Chair
Donna Goetzenberger
rye5495@gmail.com
1-602-469-1293