Short Term Summer Exchange Program
SHORT TERM SUMMER EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
District 5495 STEP Coordinator:
Jennette Bill
JLBill@outlook.com
928-301-1363
Application deadline: February 28
 
What is a Rotary Short Term Exchange Scholarship?
 
This Rotary sponsored and organized program sends America’s best student ambassadors age 15 to 19
on a summertime reciprocal exchange adventure in a foreign country…that is, you would live with a
family in a foreign country for 4 to 8 weeks and then their student would come to live with your family
for the same length of time, usually during summer break from school. Both families take the
opportunity to show their foreign exchange son or daughter some of what their country and culture have
to offer.
 
What countries can your student go to?
 
Most countries in the exchange program are in Europe, Central America, and Mexico. We prefer that you
go to a country that speaks a language that you are currently studying, whether that is in school or
through a self-study program. However, other countries also work fine including English speaking
countries. The Rotary Matching Coordinator makes every attempt to match you with a student of like
interests.
 
What are my costs for the program?
 
• Round trip airfare
• Your own spending money, gift for host parents and family members, small hostess thank you gifts
for others
• Processing fee for Rotary: $250
• Health and accident insurance that meet Rotary requirements (can be obtained through Rotary at
an approximate cost of $50 to $70)
• Travel documents such as a passport (no visa needed)
• Activities and travel in the US to show your host sibling your world
What is the process for becoming a Short Term Exchange Student?
Fill out the application found at www.rye5495.org /Future Students Tab/ Right Tab for applying for
Short Term Exchange. Once application is complete, you will be contacted for a phone conversation to
answer questions and review the scope of the program and commitment.
• The Rotary local counselor will conduct a home inspection as well as interview the student and
parents. The counselor will share more program rules and qualify the student and home for the
reciprocal exchange. The counselor will witness signatures in blue ink plus obtain club and district
officer signatures.
• If qualified, the parents fill out the Host Home Application at www.Rotary5495Youth.com which
will initiate a background check and seek references, as required by the US State Department.
• The student will finish submitting all remaining documents such as
Copy of your passport or birth certificate
Unofficial copy of your school transcript
Completed Medical History and Examination Form signed in blue ink
• The student will send a check for $250 made out to
“District 5495 Rotary Youth Exchange” with
“Rotary STEP” on the memo line to:
Jennette Bill, Rotary STEP Matching Coordinator
20 Coburn Court
Sedona, AZ 86351
o Questions for Jennette Bill: 928-301-1363
 
Timeline of the Process
 
o Matching process can take 2 to 8 weeks
• When a match is found, both students and their families have to agree to the match before any
contact is made. If both parties agree with a match, you will begin contact with your foreign
exchange family to form a relationship and to work out dates and details for the exchange.
• In April or May there will be a mandatory 3-hour orientation meeting for the student and at least 1
parent.
• You will attend a Rotary meeting before going abroad, receiving your sponsoring club banner that
you will present to the foreign host Rotary Club.
• If at all possible, you will attend a Rotary meeting or Rotary sponsored event with your foreign
exchange sister or brother when they are visiting your family and preferably do a program via
power point with pictures.
 
How can I earn Priority Placement Points?
 
• Apply early
• Become an active member of Interact Club
• Attend Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) (application deadline: 10/31; apply at
www.RYLA5495.org)
• Be willing to host a long term Rotary Exchange Student for 3 ½ months
• Foreign language skills to highest level possible
• Excellent grades, involvement in extracurricular activities and community service
What is my responsibility if I am chosen?
Act as an ambassador and representative for your country, state, city and Rotary. Embrace new
experiences and cultural differences. Make new friends! Abide by all Rotary program rules. Be willing to
share your experience and pictures in a 10-minute presentation with Rotarians. Be willing to promote
the program with other students.
 
How can I feel safe about going abroad?
 
Rotarians abroad will be checking host families as thoroughly as we will check yours. Rotary has an
incredible world wide web of people who are prepared to help you and your parents at any time should
there be an emergency.
 
 
ABOUT ROTARY: Rotary is an international non-profit service club made up of volunteers who are
passionate about “Service Above Self” and about promoting peace around the world through friendship
and understanding.