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 student 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.

Find out More about Rotary International in New Zealand and Rotary International in the world

Eligibility:

To participate in the RIYE Programme, applicants must:

•  Be aged between 16 and up to 18 years at the time of January departure. (Age requirements vary by destination country).    
                              
  
•  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 New Zealand permanent   resident, 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$16,000 and NZ$22,000.
  
  
•  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 rules.
  
  

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 live in 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 counselor to maintain contact with the student during their exchange. Between selection and departure students participate in a compulsory 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 counselor and usually 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 for the applicable website for your application.