Summer Outbound Exchange Students
What is the Short Term Exchange Program (STEP)?
--held in summer, hence the name "Short Term Exchange Program" (STEP)
--Three to four weeks each side of the exchange (the student from New York spends three to four weeks abroad, and returns with his/her exchange partner who stays here in New York for three to four weeks)
--Family-to-family exchange, with a simplified application process
--Current countries: Spain, France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands,Sweden, Italy, England, Ireland, Switzerland
--Family must be willing to host
--Families must undergo background check and vetting per RI rules
--Cost: 2018: $225.00 application fee (students pay for travel and insurance and spending money).
--Students and parents receive Orientation training and students receive a Rotary Youth Exchange polo shirt.
Timeline and Calendar
Recruitment, Application, Selection, Training, Your Year and Return Home:
- May through September - Begin recruiting students in their communities and schools for the next summer.
- October 1 to February 1 - Applications are submitted to Rotary Club's YEO who will check the application for accuracy and completeness.
- October 1 to February 1 -YEO will meet with student and family, perform home inspection and obtain reference checks. The Rotary Club may want to conduct a separate interview.
- February 15 - Absolute deadline for for completion of application and Country selection must be submitted to the STEP Vice Chair for approval and signature.
- February 15-March 31 - Applicants are "matched" with a student of similar age and gender in the desired Country.
- May- Mandatory Orientation for students and parents. 2-3 hours, date and location to be determined.
- April to June 2 - Students and Parents coordinate flights and schedules, obtain mandatory health and liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be provided to STEP Chair prior to commencement of exchange.
- July- Exchanges begin! Students select whether exchange begins here in the USA or if our student travels abroad first.
- August -Second leg of the exchange begins.
- August 31--Exchange typically wraps up. Our District's student is expected to speak to the local Rotary Club who sponsored him/her and present on the exchange.