Youth Exchange Promotes Mutual Understanding
Rotary seeks to promote understanding between cultures, goodwill, and peace also through its Youth Exchange program. Youth Exchange is one of Rotary’s core and most recognized programs. Every year, over 8,000 young people participate in exchanges around the world through Rotary.
Thanks to its global network, Rotary offers a safe and affordable exchange opportunity. The program operates in more than 100 countries as a Rotary club-sponsored initiative for youth aged 15 to 19.
Exchange students immerse themselves in another culture, learn a new language, and become global citizens. All participants are carefully prepared, and a broad safety net of volunteers is provided. In Finland, Youth Exchange is coordinated by a multidistrict organization.
Rotary Youth Exchange in a Nutshell
The program includes
- long-term exchange,
- short-term exchange, and
- camps.
Duration:
- Long-term: A full academic year, attending school and living with multiple host families.
- Short-term: From a few days up to three months, including camps, tours, or staying with a host family.
Costs:
- Rotarians cover costs related to accommodation, living, and schooling.
- Students are responsible for round-trip airfare, insurance, documents, pocket money, and extra travel.
Application Process
Target group: students aged 15–19.
Those interested should contact their local Rotary club for exchange opportunities and application details. A list of clubs in District 1420 is available online. https://rotary.fi/d1420/en/join-in/rotary-clubs/
Detailed information about Rotary Youth Exchange in Finland can be found at www.rye.fi.
District 1420 Activities in 2024–2025
23 outbound and 21 inbound students
Approximately 30 students from District 1420 participate in the long-term exchange each year. The number depends on how many clubs choose to participate. There are always more applicants than available spots.
13 short-term exchanges
The number of short-term exchange participants varies significantly from year to year. Generally, all applicants are accepted. Our district aims to increase participation in short-term exchanges in the coming years.
5 camp participants
District 1420 also hosts camps for international youth. Most participants come from European countries or from Rotary’s EEMA region, but some have come from as far as Taiwan.
The District Youth Exchange Committee organizes about 15 events per year
Training
Target audience: outbound students and their families, host families, and club Youth Exchange officers. Content includes, for example, training in information systems and a special language course in Helsinki for exchange students.
District Youth Exchange Events
Inbound & Rebound meeting in autumn, Inbound & Outbound event in spring, two district camps, a trip to Tallinn, visits to parliament, museums, and educational institutions.
After the Exchange – Rotex
Returning students are invited to join Rotex activities. Former exchange students, known as Rotex, assist the multidistrict and districts by mentoring future exchange students and organizing activities for inbound students.
Rotex members can also act as tutors at summer camps, on youth exchange trips (e.g., Lapland and Eurotour), and at orientation camps for inbound students.
Rotex operates under the Rotary Youth Exchange multidistrict organization in Finland and follows Rotary’s rules.
More Information
Want to learn more about going on exchange, becoming a host family, or volunteering as a Rotarian to support youth? Contact District 1420’s Youth Exchange Committee.
Chair
Anne Kuusio, Ekenäs-Tammisaari
E-mail: annekuusio(at)outlook.com
Vice Chairman
Tanel Ringo, Nõmme-Tallinn
E-mail: tanelri(at)hotmail.com
For more information about Rotary Youth Exchange in Finland, visit: www.rye.fi
