Rotary District 6580

Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship

District 6580 Rotarians,

It is with great disappointment that due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic, for the second consecutive year the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange (CSRYE) has announced that we will not have youth exchange students in the 2021/2022 Rotary year. Our hope is to have this program back for the 2022/2023 Rotary year under DG Lance’s administration. Below is a letter from the Central States Youth Exchange Chair regarding this decision.

As you all are well aware PDG Judy Bush served as out district youth exchange chair for many years. Judy’s passionate leadership of the program benefitted many students and our district in general. We are currently looking for an interested district 6580 Rotarian to step forth and chair this wonderful program for our district. It is never too early to begin planning the youth exchange for the 2022/2023 year. Please direct any inquiries or interest to me at kbourchie@vinutilities.com.

Serving to Change Lives,

L. Kirk Bouchie
Rotary International
District 6580 Governor 2021-2022

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Letter from Brent Sheppard, Chair,
Central States Rotary Youth Exchange

It is with a heavy heart that I announce Central States Rotary Youth Exchange is cancelling our 2021-2022 Long Term Exchange Program. The member Districts of CSRYE had hoped our program would resume in 2021, but after much consideration, we must postpone to protect the welfare of our students and volunteers.

Rotary Youth Exchange has long been the premier exchange program around the world. The benefits are numerous including the sharing of languages and culture across the globe, promoting youth leadership, and understanding of other countries, lifelong international friendships, and peace.

The member Districts remain committed to the exchange program and hope to resume exchanges as soon as possible. During the upcoming months we will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19. Exchanges may begin in January 2022, if the threat of COVID-19 is reduced to an acceptable level.

It is our hope that our program will return stronger than ever with a full program starting the fall of 2022. The commitment to our trading partners, Rotary clubs, students, parents, host families and the many volunteers will not waver, but return with new enthusiasm.

We wish to thank all those who have worked so hard to make CSRYE a great program. Your countless hours of giving to both the students, and program have not gone unnoticed. This has been a challenging time for us all and has shown the value of the family of Rotary to weather any storm.

Yours in Rotary,
Brent Sheppard, Chair
Central States Rotary Youth Exchange

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District 6580 Rotarians and students attend the July 2019 RYE summer conference.

Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the largest, oldest and most respected exchange programs. Its goal is to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person to person level. While on exchange, students will have the opportunity to learn the language and culture of their host country.

What is included in the Youth Exchange Scholarship?

School tuition
Room and board (homestay) for a full academic year in a foreign country
Small monthly stipend
Airport transfers on arrival and departure in the host country
24-hour worldwide emergency assistance throughout the program
Pre-departure and in-country orientations
Overall, the scholarship is valued at around $20,000

Where can I go?

We exchange with nearly 40 countries mostly in Europe, South America and Asia

How long is the program?

10 - 12 months.

Do I qualify?

Age: Students must be between 16-18 years old at the time of departure.

Academics: Student must be on the top half of the class for the most recent year.

How much will it cost me?

While the Rotary Exchange fee of $6,500 will cover most of your expenses in preparation for the year abroad, transportation, conferences, and insurance, you are responsible for some expenses such as language preparation, required emergency funds, school uniforms if required in host country, and trips while you are abroad. Some countries require additional insurance that is not covered by the $6,500 fee. The $6,500 fee is far less than most other youth exchange programs which may be as high as $20,000.

Our Rotary district offers need based scholarships for the student's expenses. Students and families can also setup easy installment to pay the $6,500.

For more information, and for a link to the application, contact District 6580 Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Coordinator,

Meg Butcher (mbutcher@cbbel-in.com).

Click here to view pictures of the 2018-19 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students who spent the academic year studying in the communities of District 6580.