Do more than just see the world. Broaden your horizons by living and experiencing it with trips supported by Rotary.
Thousands of people, aged between 15 and 25, take part every year and come home with incredible stories of positive experiences which have given them greater self-confidence, an understanding of other cultures and a new language.
Across Europe and beyond, Rotary members run camps, some with tours, mainly during the summer holiday, catering for age groups from 15 to 25-year-olds.
Far from being a lonely traveller, you would be with other people your age from across the world so you would experience even more cultures.
An international gathering of students meet up attracted by the theme of the camp, which could be outdoor and sporty or cultural, historical, artistic, or musical.
Most camps last about two weeks, with students mostly living with host families or in hostels. Very few involve living under canvas.
The language of the great majority of the camps is English but from time to time there is one in French, Spanish or German.
All you need to do is register your interest online via the dedicated Rotary Youth Exchange website. A member from your local Rotary will meet with you and your family to have a chat about your choice of experience to make sure it is the right one for you.
Unlike commercially-run programmes, the Rotary Youth Exchange is lower in cost, thanks to the support of Rotary members. Typically students would just pay for travel, insurance, visas and personal expenses. There may be additional costs depending on the programme.
The Rotary Youth Exchange, which has successfully run for over 60 years, has a reputation for being safe. Families and guardians can be assured that Rotary has strict safety policies in place which put the welfare of the participants involved first. Host families are checked to ensure that they are suitable and willing to host an exchange participant and will comply with the obligations to help them settle into family life.
More information is available from the dedicated Rotary Youth Exchange website along with an application form and the closing dates for applications which will vary between the programmes.
more Festive joy for children in refuge
more This leadership programme gives young people hands-on challenges to grow a variety of skills, normally held at Arthog Outdoor Education Centre in August.
more A day of fun and adventure for disabled or disadvantaged children.
more This competition is one of two public speaking competitions designed to encourage young people to develop the creative and presentation skills essential to the art of public speaking.
more A District-only competition, new for 2020/21
more This competition allows entrants' imaginations to run wild! After being given a theme, participants can choose to write fiction or non-fiction, a story or a poem; with the opportunity to express themselves and get creative with the written word.
more Giving young people the chance to develop and grow, while earning an accredited qualification.
more This competition is designed to encourage young people to develop their creative and presentation skills essential to the art of public speaking.
more Budding young painters, illustrators and artists can showcase their creative flair, with the opportunity to interpret the competition's annual theme and set their creativity free, turning ideas from a blank canvas into a work of art!
more Music is the international language and RGBI has some of the most talented young instrumentalists and vocalists in the world. This competition offers young people the chance to demonstrate their musical skills whether classical or modern.
more It is never too early to start making a difference in the community, and RotaKids gives those aged 7-12 the chance to do just that.
more Interact offers an introduction for young people aged 12-18 to discover the power of volunteering and social action.
more Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland celebrates the achievements of young people with the annual Rotary Young Citizen Awards. These showcase the citizenship and responsibilities demonstrated by people under the age of 25.
more We believe it is important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, including in the kitchen. Sponsored by Filippo Berio, contestants prepare and present a two course meal within a pre-set budget and time limit, judged by an expert panel.
more Technology Tournaments inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists and put their STEM skills to the test.
more The Rotary Young Photographer competition gives participants the chance to express themselves through photography, whilst interpreting the competition’s annual theme in an imaginative way.
back Developing the skills and talents of Young People in our District.