What an exciting adventure awaits you, as a potential Rotary Youth Exchange student or RYE Host Family, as you expand your horizons like they've never been expanded before.

For almost 100 years, Rotary International has arranged high school student exchanges around the globe. Today, the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program is one of the largest and most respected high school exchange student programs in the world. Each year, nearly 9000 high school students worldwide participate in Rotary Youth Exchange, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture, through the efforts of Rotary volunteers around the globe.

The program's primary mission: "To work towards peace and understanding in the world".

 FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 15-18 years old, interested in earning a Rotary Youth Exchange Program scholarship, valued at over $24,000, including room, board, tuition, training and a monthly stipend for a high school year abroad – HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF…

• Traveling the World?
• Living in another country?
• Becoming fluent in another language?

The Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland is part of the RYE Florida multidistrict organization (District 6900). More information for prospective exchange students is available at http://www.ryeflorida.org/potential-students.

FOR FAMILIES who would like to enrich their family’s experience by hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student –

RYE Host Families can be Rotarians or non-Rotarians, families with children or no children, retirees, single parents, etc. The student will live with each of three host families for about 3-4 months, and be a "part of the family" during that time. The host family provides the basic household necessities for the student, such as housing, food, basic supplies. The student is responsible for their personal clothing, cellphone, souvenirs, tours, etc. The student will receive a stipend from our Rotary club (approximately $100/month) for spending money and their own family may provide them additional money as needed. The student will have their own medical insurance. The Vinings Cumberland Rotary club currently hosts students attending Campbell High School in Smyrna, and seeks host families residing in that school district.

Host families provide a "home away from home" and treat the student like their own child.  Support, encourage, understand, love and discipline them as if they were your own. You will also help to monitor their school grades and ensure they understand the rules of your home (curfews, electronics, etc.) as well as help explain community rules if needed. You’ll help them become a part of the community (school and beyond) and maintain contact with the host Rotary club. Help with their challenges, such as culture shock and homesickness. Provide an ear to listen and a hand to depend on. Many exchange students maintain contact with their host families and exchange visits back and forth for years after they return home. More information for prospective host families is available at http://www.ryeflorida.org/host-family.