The Rotary Youth Exchange program offers students ages 15-18 the opportunity to experience other cultures by living abroad with host families. The program began in 1939 with exchanges between California and Latin America and now includes over 58 countries and 8,000 students annually. Qualified applicants are academically strong, well-spoken, and demonstrate leadership in their community. The total cost of participation is approximately $6,000-$7,000, which covers airfare, insurance, orientations, and other program fees. Students are selected in the fall and depart their home countries in July or August to begin an exchange year abroad.