Choosing to do Rotary was the best decision I have ever made.  And I know it could change so many people's lives - if anyone knew anything about it.  So here's the basics:

1. Youth Exchange isn't actually a year; it's approximately 10 months.  You can do it at any age from 15-19.  And you're not just hanging out in a foreign country; you actually have to go to high school.

2. You can validate your year (ex: if you go abroad during your junior year, you can come back and be a senior).  But I'm doing it as a gap year, which I think is the least stressful, because I don't have to worry about making good grades in another language.

3. You stay with about 3 families throughout the year, but never switch cities or schools.

4. This year, there are 15 kids from Houston going to 13 countries over 3 continents.  District 5890 (Houston) currently exchanges with Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, Japan, Colombia, Brazil,  Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

5. It's an insanely good deal and absolutely a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Please, please, please apply!

 

And please look at the links below and find out if you'd like to do RYE (or if you totally regret not doing it as you lie in your cramped dorm).

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Rotary Youth Exchange Website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges

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Find Your Local Rotary Club: https://my.rotary.org/en/search/club-finder

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Apply NOW! (if you live in Houston): https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50025/sitepage/rotary-youth-exchange-program/long-term-program

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You Know You're an Exchange Student If...: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zAHZ2sDZ_E

        (what exchange is really like) (this guy is really funny and he went to Italy too)

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