rotex 2010

FAQs

What is Rotex?
About Rotex 3140
About IYE Exchange
How do I qualify?
How much does it cost?
What are my responsibilities?
How do I apply?
About being a Host Family
Rotary

What is Rotex?
The first question from most people who are not affiliated with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program is: "What is ROTEX?" A simple question that demands a simple answer. Unfortunately ROTEX means different things to different people. The one thing that all members of ROTEX have in common is the successful completion of the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. Each of us has been sent by our Rotary District to live in another country for a year on an emotional roller coaster ride that took us to new highs of frustration, stress, curiosity, and joy. ROTEX is an opportunity to repay Rotary for their generosity. It is also a platform for us to tell others that you have lived enough if you haven't been on the ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM yet! This is a first class program and out main goal is to promote it. Other ROTEX members join for the emotional support. Returning students often have trouble readjusting to things back home. There are family problems, relationship problems, and academic problems that we all experience at one point or another. Still other ROTEX members have joined because they just want to be understood. There is a bond among us that rivals even those of brothers and sisters. We have all been there, and know what it is like to have your life turned upside down, inside out, and then dry cleaned.

About Rotex 3140
Rotex 3140 was officially founded in the year 2006. We are located in Mumbai, India. Rotex 3140 helps creates a network of past, present and future exchange students and works closely with Rotary 3140. We organize events for the inbound exchange students and helps them with getting acquainted to India. We also provide guidance and support to the outbound exchange students.

District 3140 Goals

1. To serve as a support/networking group for returning Rotex students while continuing the friendships made within the Rotex body.
2. To maintain a link between Rotex students and all Rotary Clubs for the purpose of social contacts, volunteer projects, and support for this program.
3. To assist in providing activities for all exchangees.
4. To act as a support center for all countries so as to assist Outbound students as to where they will be going.

About IYE Exchange

Why Youth Exchange?
For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

What are the different Programs?
Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young people ages 15-25 worldwide. There are two basic types of exchanges: short-term and long-term.

- Short-term exchange
Ages 15-19
Several days to several weeks long
Don't involve attending high school, but students can tailor their experience to match their interests
Can include homestays, tours, and international youth camps

- New Generations Exchange
Ages 18-25
Three to six weeks
Ideal for recent secondary school graduates
Can include homestays, tours, camps, or specialized internships

- Long-term exchange
Ages 15-19
One year
Involves living with a few host families and attending a local school

I am interested, how do I proceed?

How do I qualify?
1. Above-average student with demonstrated leadership in the community
2. Open to new experiences and cultural differences
3. Sponsored by a local Rotary club
4. Completed written application and in-person interview

How much will it cost?
Youth Exchange is coordinated at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Costs vary greatly from one area to another.

Typically, students and their parents cover the following expenses:
1.Round-trip airfare
2.Health and accident insurance
3.Travel documents
4.Clothing and other necessities
5.Spending money
6.Emergency funds for unpredicted expenses
7.Ancillary travel and tours

In most clubs and districts, students do not pay placement fees, so those with financial constraints can share the exchange experience.
Sharing in the costs are host families (who pay for room and board), the host community (who cover school tuition and arrangements) and host Rotary club (who offer a small stipend of usually US$50-100 monthly.)

What are my responsibilities?
As a Youth Exchange student, you agree to
1.Act as an ambassador for your home country
2.Abide by all program rules of your host Rotary club and district
3.Accept the supervision of the host family, club, and district
4.Ask questions of your host family and local Rotarians
5.Be an active participant in your exchange
Where will my exchange be?
Exchanges can take place in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Please note, however, that the countries you visit depend on your home Rotary district and how you fare in your interview.

How do I apply?
Youth Exchange is administered by Rotary clubs and districts. Contact Rotarians in your area to apply. You can download a form for any one of the above programs from www.rotary.org . If you do not have any contact with a Rotary Club/ don't seem to find it on the website, all you need to do is contact the Director of PR of the Rotex on disha_doshi@hotmail.com . We will get back to you with all the supplement information required for you to get onboard this program.

Being a Host Family
By hosting a Youth Exchange student in your home, you'll make a young person's dream come true, and you and your family will share an unforgettable and fulfilling experience. As a host family, you will
1. Provide room and board
2. Supervise the student just as you would your own children
3. Involve the student in family activities and chores
4. Enrich the exchange experience by including the student in family, community, and cultural activities
5. Host families aren't compensated financially. The program is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, which helps keep costs low.

About Rotarians
Dedicated Rotarian volunteers have kept Youth Exchange vital for decades. Rotarians work behind the scenes to handle the logistics of each exchange. For long-term exchanges, the host club and district arranges school enrollment, tuition, and other educational matters. Youth Exchange officers are the program's leaders. Elected at the club and district levels, these volunteers are trained to serve as liaisons between students and the district Youth Exchange committee.