Student Costs Inbound

The costs of the Rotary Youth Exchange program include:

1. The application and other fees paid to your Rotary District in your home country,
2. USA visa fees
3. Other costs paid either before, upon your arrival or during your year in the USA.

The USA Visa fees (2) and other costs (3) are explained below. All funds shown are in US dollars.

These include the following:

US Visa fees

Consulate interview fee $180 (SEVIS)

Canadian Visa

District 7150 is close to the Canadian border. Many students have an opportunity to visit Canada during their year. Canada requires a visa for visitors from some countries. If your country is listed as needing a visa, get it before you leave your home country. You should request a “Multiple entry” visa from the Canadian Consulate in your country. You may not be able to obtain the visa after you arrive in the US as it will be much more expensive (over $100.00) and will require a lengthy (5 hours one way) trip to the nearest Canadian consulate. Check http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to see if you need a visa.

Host Family

You will be provided room and board (a bedroom and meals) by your host family plus household items (soap, shampoo/conditioner, etc.) at no additional costs. However if you require the higher priced commodities, you should expect to pay for it.

Insurance

All inbound students must arrive with a Rotary International approved medical/repatriation/liability insurance policy. Estimated cost is expected to be $1,100.00. All Inbound students MUST select Plan "B" when enrolling.. This must be purchased on-line. Inbound students should follow the directions provided to them in the "Welcome" email they receive in June .

Medical Costs

Your medical insurance covers medical emergencies. Costs to treat the occasional cold, sore throat, aches/pain and dental problems are not covered. It is suggested that you budget $200-300 for unexpected medical expenses.

Emergency Fund

All students upon arrival in District 7150 must give their Rotary Club Youth Exchange representative $400 to be held in escrow to cover unexpected emergency costs during their exchange year. Any funds used during the year must be replaced by your parents/guardians. Funds not used will be returned at the end of your exchange year.

Language tutoring

All students will be tested for English language proficiency shortly after arriving in the US at the orientation training. Students who do not meet the minimum standards will be required to have English language tutoring. Tutoring costs will vary depending on the student’s ability and may cost up to $25 per hour with several weeks of training required. An estimate of 20 hours of training is typical for a cost of $500. These costs are the responsibility of the student and his/her parents.

Winter Weather Clothing

We live in the north central part of New York State where we typically receive about 100 inches of snow with temperatures that can go below zero degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have clothing for winter weather, you may need to purchase cold weather boots, jacket, hat, gloves and sweaters. Prices will vary but you should expect the costs to be between $100 and $200.

Communicating with home and friends

You will want to talk with your family and friends back home and new friends you meet in our District 7150 while you are here. Although we want you to limit this contact to only a couple times a month, overseas and some local calls can be very expensive. There are several methods available to you and you should check on which is best for you and your host sfamily. These include international calling cards, SKYPE computer based calls, and regular long distance telephone service. Also, calls to other students in our district or elsewhere in the US can be long distance and result in additional costs. You are expected to pay for these calls and reimburse your host family each month when you use their telephone. Your emergency funds will be used for any outstanding phone bills not paid at the end of your year.

Cell phones

Many Inbound students purchase cell phone service. Texting has become the norm, but can be very expensive. be sure you understand this and put limits on your use. You should be sure you understand the limits of this service and costs. Sometimes a host family or Rotary Club may add a phone to their personal service during your exchange year for your use. You are expected to develop a plan to reimburse them for this service. Make sure you understand any limits on this phone service and agree on how you will pay for it. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ANY LIMITS ON YOUR PHONE SERVICE, OVERAGE COSTS CAN BE EXTREMELY HIGH! YOU SHOULD MAKE A BUDGET; THIS IS NOT A COST THAT THE HOST FAMILY CAN COVER FOR YOU.

Entertainment & other expenses

While you are here you will want to go to movies, shopping, parties, go out to eat, buy postage, purchase gifts, etc. Although your Rotary club will give you about $75 each month for 10 months that you are here for spending money, it may not cover all that you purchase. You are responsible for any expenses not covered by the Rotary stipend.

School expenses

You will not have to pay any school tuition or school textbook costs. However some students decide to get a school ring or yearbook, which cost extra. There are also school dances or school trips that may be offered for you to attend. If your school has a uniform, you may have to purchase that, or borrow one. You will be responsible to pay those costs.

District Sanctioned trips

There are several optional district Rotary trips you may want to go on. Costs range from $500 for a weekend in New York City up to over $3,000 for a 30-day USA Tour. You are expected to pay for these trips.

Host family vacations

You may be offered the opportunity to go on vacation with your family. If the planned vacation is a trip that is expensive, such as a trip to Disneyworld, you and the family should discuss your possible financial contribution. This may or may not occur, but you and your parents need to be aware of such a possibility. If you can not afford to go with your Host Family on a vacation, the Rotary District will provide you with a temporary Host Family.

We have provided here an estimate of the costs you and your parents may expect during your exchange year. We have tried to identify those costs for which you and your parents will be responsible. Many of these costs are optional and are the decision of each family. Every exchange is unique and the financial means of every student and their family is unique as to wants, needs and financial ability. You and your parents should establish a budget and have a clear understanding of your financial responsibility during your year.