The Highland Rotary Club is seeking Highland High School students aged 15-19 who are interested in the chance to participate in the Rotary International Youth Exchange (YEX) program. This long-standing, globally-recognized program provides students with the opportunity to live and study abroad, experience new cultures, and develop leadership skills in one of 100 countries across the world. 

YEX enables students to immerse themselves in a different culture, promoting peace, understanding, and international friendship. Participants attend school in a foreign country, live with host families, and engage in cultural exchange activities that foster global understanding and goodwill. Past participants have reported gaining independence, self-confidence, and new perspectives through real-world experiences provided by the program. They also have built lifelong friendships and connections with fellow exchange students, host families, and Rotarians around the world. Exchange countries sometimes vary from year to year, but generally include districts in Europe, Asia, and South America.
 
The application process includes the submission of a one-page essay on why you want to participate in YEX and completion of a short form (due November 28), which is followed by a meeting with the Highland Rotary Club YEX committee (by 11/30). In December, the recommended student will have an official interview with the District 7210 committee, and country assignments are announced in January.  The ideal candidate will have above average academic skills and demonstrated leadership in their community. The student should also have an outgoing personality that allows for ease in conversations and public presentations and be interested in having new experiences in different cultures.

Highland Rotary Club contributes to the student’s program fees and covers costs of attendance at the District 7210 conference. The host family will provide room and board and the host Rotary Club will provide a small stipend. The student’s family covers travel expenses (including airfare and travel agency costs), health and accident insurance, Visa expenses, attendance at a language camp if required by the host district, and spending money. 

Interested students and their parents can learn more by speaking to the Highland High School’s Guidance Department or contacting Highland Rotary Club President Steve Laubach at bmesteve@optonline.net. More information about the Exchange Program, including costs, can also be found on the Rotary District 7210 Youth Exchange Program website