Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by participating in the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. Administered by Rotary clubs, districts and multidistrict groups, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 8,000 students each year. Detailed information about this program can be found on the Rotary International website.

The Rotary Clubs of the City of Fredericton are in theprocess of receiving applications for the International Youth Exchange Program for the school year 2006-2007. The Exchange Committee is made up of representatives of the three city clubs. A joint presentation by Commitee members has been given to students at each school, who have indicated an interest in participating in the program. Students who have decided, with parental consent, to apply for the program have until October 21, to submit their applicant to their School Guidance Counsellor. Personal interviews will be held the week of November 3, and successful applicants will be notified by November 15. During the final process discussions will be held with the successful applicant’s family to ensure they are aware of the expectations of Rotary, and their involvement with the program. Students are selected based on academic achievement, school recommendation, personal references, ability of applicant’s family to participate as a host family, and overall suitability to the objectives of the program. Students, participating in a long-term exchange, spend a year in a foreign country, living with host families, attending school, participating in Rotary programs and serving as an ambassador for Canada and Rotary. Students participating in a short-term exchange spend up to six weeks in a foreign country, living with a family who has sent their child to live with the Exchange Student’s family in Fredericton, it is called a direct exchange, the students do not attend school, the exchange usually happens during school vacation.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is open to youth attending Fredericton High School, Ecole Sainte-Anne and Leo Hayes High School, between the ages of 15 to 19. Students who will have completed Grade 12 are expected to attend high school in the country that they are visiting.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program allows the Fredericton Area Clubs to host a reciprical number of In-Bound Students. At present we are hosting a student from Japan, who will be joined by a student from Australia after Christmas. They are living with the families of our Outbound Students, who are living in Japan and Mexico.