District 6440
Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange
Welcome
Information on this site for the upcoming 2026 Summer Short Term Reciprocal Exchange Program (STEP) is being updated. Meanwhile, most of the current site content is relevant and reflects the structure of the program.
The deadline for Rotary Clubs to submit the 2026 Student STEP preliminary applications for students they have interviewed and are willing to sponsor is December 15th.
Students may submit a preliminary application to District 6440 team today and those volunteers will reach out to a local Rotary Club to initiate the interview process and request sponsorship rye.chair@rotary6440.org
About Rotary Youth Exchange:
What an exciting adventure awaits as you, a potential Rotary Exchange student or program volunteer, look to expand your horizons as they've never been expanded before. Take the first step toward one of the most amazing, memorable, adventurous experiences of your life. Join the thousand of teens around the globe who have stepped out of the mainstream and that participate in Rotary Youth Exchange programs.
Check out the 2026 STEP Frequently Asked Questions. This outlines the program, age requirements, general costs and expectations.
Talk to your parents about this family-to-family exchange that lasts a total of six weeks.
Complete the 2026 STEP Student Preliminary Application
Submit the 2026 STEP Student Preliminary to your local club contact or District if your club contact is unknown. Email the application to rye.chair@rotary6440.org
Be ready for an interview with your parents/guardians which most likely will be conducted in your home as this is a reciprocal exchange.
So, act now and get the conversation started for next summer.
Please note that Long-Term Exchanges where students attend high school overseas may return starting 2027-28 year. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, hosting a student for a few months, and/or are an adult interested in volunteering at rye.chair@rotary6440.org.