Applications open for January 2027 departures
A year that defines a lifetime.
Rotary Youth Exchange sends secondary school students from eastern Auckland to live with host families, attend school and become New Zealand's ambassadors overseas for twelve months.
The year at a glance
- October
- Applications open
- 30 April
- Applications close
- May
- Live-in Selection Weekend, Auckland
- January
- Depart for a 12-month exchange
Why a Rotary exchange
More than a gap year — a second family, a second language, a wider world.
Students live with up to four host families, attend a local school and take part in Rotary club life. Former exchange students say the confidence, independence and friendships they gained have kept paying off long after they came home.
You don't need to speak another language before you go, though we strongly recommend starting to learn your host country's language once you're selected.
“I have gained a better understanding and awareness of the world around me.”
Where can I go?
District 9920 exchanges with long-standing partner countries we review every year:
- Austria
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
You nominate three preferred countries. We aim to place you in one of them, but places per country are limited — the experience matters more than the destination.
Am I eligible?
Who can apply
- Aged 15 to 18 at the January departure, and under 18 in the month you leave (age rules vary by destination)
- Living in Rotary District 9920 — eastern Auckland, south of the Harbour Bridge to and including Tuakau
- A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Achieving well academically
- Medically fit, with no serious medical conditions
- Able to represent New Zealand as an excellent ambassador
- Adaptable — comfortable living with up to four host families
- Willing to follow Youth Exchange rules and host parents' rules
- Your family has the resources to cover the year's costs
- Parents don't need to be Rotarians — and Rotarians' children are welcome
Being selected doesn't guarantee an exchange — you also need to be accepted by a hosting Rotary club overseas. Families of outbound students are asked to host two inbound students for about 12 weeks each (timing is flexible). If you're considering a career in the NZ Defence Force, check whether a year overseas affects residency requirements.
Apply now
Applications close 30 April
Applications open in October each year. Successful students leave the following January for twelve months. Every applicant must attend Selection Weekend in May (Friday to Sunday), and parents join the Sunday sessions.
First, check you're in District 9920
This page is for students living in eastern Auckland, from south of the Harbour Bridge down to and including Tuakau. West Auckland is not included. Living elsewhere in New Zealand? Apply through your own Rotary district:
Initial application
- Complete the Initial Application Form.
- Attach a scanned copy of your passport details page.
- Email us your contact details, date of birth and school.
- Ask your nearest Rotary club to sponsor your application — they forward it to the District Exchange Committee. Not sure which club? Contact us or use the Rotary club finder.
- Or post the form to the committee (address below) and email us to say it's on its way.
- Attend Selection Weekend in May.
Full application
Only complete this step when the Exchange Committee asks you to, after Selection Weekend.
- Complete the Full Application Form.
- Print the complete Guidelines (SOAD-005) and follow them exactly.
- Complete the Travel Registration Form (COAD-019) and send it with your full application.
What happens after you apply
Live-in weekend in Auckland. Meet inbound students and returned exchangers; parents attend an information session on the Sunday.
Selected students attend briefings, an Auckland Day and a live-in Marae & Orientation Weekend.
Insurance and flights are arranged by Rotary at cost and paid around late November. Final briefing before you fly.
Twelve months overseas. Back home, Rotary holds get-togethers for parents while students are away.
Rotary International D9920 Inc.
5 Tanah Merah Drive, Papakura 2110 ryechair@rotarydistrict9920.org
By applying, students and their parents consent to Rotary collecting personal information — including a confidential school reference and reference checks — and sharing it with Rotarians, potential host families, Rotary clubs and district committees in New Zealand and overseas.
How much does it cost?
Costs, in NZ dollars
Rotary arranges travel and insurance at cost and takes no profit. Host families, accommodation, meals and school enrolment are provided free, plus a small monthly allowance from the host Rotary club.
| Before departure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Selection Weekend (live-in) | $350 |
| Administration fee | $100 |
| Marae & Orientation Weekend (live-in) | $350 |
| Medical & dental certificates | $200 |
| Rotary exchange blazer, Auckland Day, pre-departure briefing | Free |
| The exchange | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airfares, comprehensive insurance, visa & chaperones | $8,000–10,000 |
| Euro or country tour (optional, 10–20+ days) | $3,500–4,500 |
| Day-to-day living (paid between parent and student) | ≈ $500 / month |
| Emergency fund, refunded if unused | ≈ $500 |
| Language school, where applicable | Varies |
Insurance and airfares are paid around late November or early December; tours around April; language school in January. Some countries need an embassy visit in Wellington for the visa.
Hosting a student
When the world comes to your place.
Each year students from our partner countries spend twelve months in eastern Auckland. Host families welcome one for around three months — a chance to share Kiwi life and gain a family member on the other side of the world. You don't need to be connected to Rotary to host.
“You were so much like real parents to me.”
Contact us
Questions about applying or hosting?
Email the District 9920 Youth Exchange Committee. Please include your name, phone number, town and suburb, and your school if you're a student.
5 Tanah Merah Drive
Papakura 2110 ryechair@rotarydistrict9920.org
We cover Auckland from the Harbour Bridge south to Tuakau, excluding West Auckland. Outside this area, contact your own district.