Rotary Youth Exchange
The Rotary Youth Exchange is one of Rotary’s oldest youth programmes. It started informally 100 years ago and became a formal programme in 1959. It’s purpose is to build international goodwill and understanding among young people and the families that take part. Each year over 9,000 young people take part in an exchange and around 80 countries take part. District 9999 is taking part for the first time this year since our inception, although the previous two Districts that make up 9999 had long associations with the programme.
There are two parts to the exchange: inbound and outbound students. Inbound students usually arrive in July for one year in New Zealand and outbound students from NZ head overseas for one year from 1st January and are sponsored by local Rotary clubs.
This year opportunities can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Austria, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland.
The programme is open to young people who will be aged 15 to 171/2 as at January 2027. They should be high achievers and community minded. Ideally the family would be able to host an inbound student for a period of at least 4 months. Applications are now open, and will remain open until 20th May 2026
Does this sound like you, or someone you know? Then download and fill in an application form from the link below. There you will also find links to presentations with more information on the programme and details of what is expected.
So don’t delay. If you are interested in being one of District 9999’s first exchange students or supporting clubs then start filling in that form now. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as demand is expected to be high. One thing is for certain – if you don’t apply you cannot be selected.
Apply Now for the Experience of a Lifetime
Some Famous RYE Alumni
- Matthew McConaughey credits his Rotary Youth Exchange year as igniting a love of travel and different cultures (USA to Australia)
- Rebel Wilson loved her time in South Africa although she did contract Malaria. (Australia to South Africa)
- Matty McLean quotes that he was so lucky to spend a year living in Austria. Matty’s siblings all completed a RYE. (NZ to Austria)