Program Costs

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is considered to be the most cost effective youth exchange available – on average a Rotary Exchange is half the price of many commercial exchange providers. Where there are providers with similar costs, we encourage you to cross-check the level of support that is provided. For example, our long-term exchange includes 2 x two night orientation camps before the student departs, all orientation camps in the host country when the student arrives, and a two-night orientation camp on their return!

Why are our exchanges cheaper than most other exchanges? Because Rotarians are all volunteers, including host families, so there are no salaries, payments or commissions paid to the hard-working, passionate people who administer this program or generously host students in their homes.

It does cost money, though, to administer the program, present the orientations, provide student materials and supplies, etc. And, of course, there’s airfare, insurance, visas and other travel expenses.

Keep in mind that whilst you are living at home in Australia, it does cost money. Think of this cost being offset by you living in a host country.

Long term program costs:

The total cost of your exchange will depend on your personal budget and the cost of living in the country you go to on exchange (for your discretionary spending). Before you leave there will be a program fee payable to Rotary, and after that the costs are at your personal discretion depending on what you spend while you’re away.

Below is a broad outline of costs, to give you a general idea. A reminder that Rotary Youth Exchange is administered by volunteers and the following costs are all not-for-profit.

The student’s parents or guardian provide for all of the following costs:

• The program administration fee for long term exchange.
  • The 2026 long-term program fee is AUD$10,500.
    • Please first keep in mind that while on exchange the host Rotary Club will pay the student monthly pocket money of between AUD$100 and AUD$150 per month, which equates to between $1,200 – $1,800 for the year. Think of this as $1,200 – $1,800 you will be saving off your program fee.
  • The program fee pays for:
    • Return airfare, as arranged and booked by Rotary, to the country of exchange.
      • This must be booked by Rotary as we coordinate all travel with students from our district and other districts to travel together where possible. This fare will include at least one date change, which is needed to book the return flight in March/April after the student has departed.
      • All students pay the same amount regardless of what country they are going to – this is because while students can nominate their top five preferences for their destination country, the youth exchange committee makes the final decision on the exchange destination.
    • Important: if airfares are less than budgeted, parents will be refunded any excess program fees at the completion of the student’s exchange (i.e. in February following their return).
    • Personal accident and emergency travel insurance, arranged and booked by Rotary Youth Exchange Australia.
    • Attendance at two x mandatory two-night orientation camps and one x mandatory two-night debrief camp on your return. These camps are also attended by all current inbound students.
    • Attendance at inbound orientation camps in your host country at no cost, as arranged by your host district.
    • Provision of your Rotary Youth Exchange blazer, merchandise, and badge.
    • Between $300-$500 contribution towards visa costs if applicable (either the visa fee and/or flight costs if you need to travel for a visa interview at the consulate in Sydney or Canberra). Exact amount will be based upon the number of students who have visa costs based on the final destination countries.
  • Administration costs for Rotary to administer the program.
• Country specific program cost information:
  • For students travelling to Japan, please note that Rotary Youth Exchange Japan require all inbound students to take out Japanese travel insurance. We will assist parents to determine if their student will require both or if the Japanese insurance will be sufficient. In most cases both Australian and Japanese insurance will be required only if the student has pre-existing conditions. If only Japanese insurance is taken, this will be covered by your global fee. If both are taken, parents must pay the additional cost of the Japanese insurance separately. Students will only be sent to Japan if it their number one preference.
  • For students travelling to Switzerland, please note that Rotary Youth Exchange Switzerland require all inbound students to take out their Swiss travel insurance. This insurance is more expensive than the Australian insurance, and the gap will need to be covered by the parents – it is anticipated that this additional cost will be approximately $1,000. Switzerland also have a mandatory two week language camp that all inbound students must attend at a cost of $1,800 which is also payable by the parents. Note we will only send a student to Switzerland if their parents accept these additional costs.
  • For students travelling to Spain, please note that Rotary Youth Exchange Spain require all inbound students to take out their Spanish travel insurance. The cost of this insurance is similar to the cost of our Australian insurance, so it is anticipated that the full cost of this insurance will be covered by the program fee. However, we reserve the right to request parents to pay any gap if this increases in the future. Students will only be sent to Spain if their parents are happy to pay any gap.
• An Emergency Fund of approximately $500 (AUD) that is available for the student to access at all times. This is placed into an account for you in your host country, and is returned at the end of your exchange if not used. Please note that not all host countries require this, you will be advised by your host country after they have accepted you.
• Internal travel in overseas country including Rotary organised tours or school camps (all tours are optional).
• Day-to-day living expenses of the student such as postage, phone calls, personal items/toiletries, clothing, footwear and some school expenses such as a school uniform, school stationery and school transport if required.
• Gifts for Rotarians and host families in the host country.
• Passport costs, if a new passport is required.

Rotary provides:

• A vibrant, supportive and welcoming global Rotary community for the student to become a part of.
• Rotary approved host families who provide a family environment for the student including accommodation and meals. All of our host families are volunteers who generously open their homes for no payment.
• Schooling and the payment of normal school fees (if required) and some school expenses at the discretion of the host club.
• Attendance at inbound orientation camps.
• A monthly allowance of approximately AUD$100 – $150 paid to the student by their host club (value is dependent on the country of exchange).
• A student counsellor, both here and in the host country, to mentor and support the student on their exchange.

Naturally, you have to consider these amounts against what it normally costs to keep you for 12 months living at home.

Scholarships

Partial student scholarships are available for eligible long-term students to help fund their exchange. Please contact us on yep@rotary9640.org to enquire about financial assistance.