
What
is the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program?
The
Rotary Youth Exchange (RIYE) Programme commenced in 1929 and
is an official programme of Rotary International. With over
30 years of success the programme now involves more than 7,000
students with Rotary Clubs in over 80 countries around the
world.
RIYE
is a 12 month overseas exchange programme for young people
of secondary school age.
Objectives of the Program
To further international goodwill and understanding by enabling
students to experience first hand life in a country different
from their own.
To enable students:
- To advance their education
by studying for a year in an environment different from
their own and in courses not normally available to them
in their home country schools
- To broaden their outlook
by living with, and meeting people of different cultures,
creeds and backgrounds than their own; and by having to
cope with day-to-day problems in an environment completely
different from their home experience
- To act as ambassadors for
their own country by addressing Rotary Clubs, community
organizations and youth groups in their host country and
by imparting as much knowledge as they can of their own
country and its current issues
- To study and observe all
facets of life and culture in the country where they are
hosted and on their return to their home country to discuss
their experiences and knowledge gained with Rotary Clubs,
schools, youth groups and community organizations

Eligibility:
To
participate in the RYE Programme, applicants must:
- Be aged between 16 and
up to 18 years at the time of January departure
- Have strong academic performance
and achievement
- Reside in Rotary District
9920 (see below for other districts)
- Be a New Zealand citizen
- (born in New Zealand or naturalized), or a citizen of
the country in which the applicant resides within District
9920
- Have sufficient financial
resources to cover total expenditure over the year away
which can vary by country but is generally between NZ$14,000
and NZ$18,000.
- Be medically fit, with
no serious medical conditions
- Have the ability to be
an excellent ambassador for New Zealand or the applicants
country of residence
- Be adaptable and capable
of comfortably living with up to four different host families
in host district overseas
- Undertake to abide by Youth
Exchange Rules (No drugs, driving, drinking and dating)
and accept host parent controls
Programme
Operation:
Admission
to the programme is not by application alone. The selection
process for outbound students consists of several interviews
and some include students and parents. Applicants attend the
Districts formal selection weekend in Auckland. Selection
Weekend is normally held in May.
RIYE
students will be sponsored by a District 9920 Rotary Club
who will appoint a counsellor to maintain contact with the
student during there exchange. Between selection and departure
students participate in an orientation programme and cultural
weekend to prepare students for their year away. This weekend
is held in Auckland and usually is timed for August or September.
An
exchange is not assurred until the student has been accepted
by a hosting overseas Rotary Club. The hosting club will appoint
a counsellor and three to four host families for the duration
of the exchange. The vast Rotary network provides support,
friends and many varied opportunities throughout and beyond
the exchange year
Which
Rotary District Do I Apply To?:
This
website is for Rotary District 9920. The
district comprises Auckland Central (East and South of the
harbour bridge down to and including Pukekohe) plus Pacific
Islands as per the map below. If you reside outside
this district click
here


 
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