Rotary Youth Exchange Program application deadline is Friday, October 5, 2012.
This study abroad program is offered by the LF/LB Rotary club and provides students between the ages of 16 and 18 the opportunity of a lifetime! Each year they select one student to spend 11 months in another country learning the language and culture. Some of the countries that would be available, depending on the age of the applicant, are France, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Chile, Brazil, Poland, and Austria. Students generally apply in October to go on exchange the next year. This is both a cultural and academic exchange, not a vacation. 

Outbound students and their parents are guided through months of orientation and information about the country of their exchange year. Outbound students typically stay with two or three Rotary-approved families and receive a monthly stipend for incidental expenses. Parents are responsible for airfare, incidentals, insurance etc.

To qualify, students must be in the top 50% of their class or have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.  Students must also have been born between February 14, 1995 and August 16, 1997.  This is a unique opportunity for students to travel abroad for a year during their sophomore, junior or senior year.  They will learn about other cultures, other people, and about themselves.

There is also the chance to take advantage of a “Gap” year experience after high school graduation before pursuing a college career. To read more information about the program, please see www.rye6440.org and view the Outbound Exchange section.  The program is administered by a Rotary Coop, Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, and even more information is available on their website, www.csrye.org. 

Students who would like more information and a copy of the application can contact Ms. Kathy O’Hara, Student Service/Community Coordinator at kohara@lfschools.net or 847-582-7444, or visit Ms. O’Hara in Room 103C.  Completed applications are due to Ms. O’Hara by Friday, October 5, 2012.