How an exchange program benefits your student

Rotary is one of the safest high school exchange programs in the world. Students are sponsored by a local Rotary club in the country they visit. The members of the club take great care to ensure the safety of the students. Every student is counseled before leaving on exchange and is required to sign an agreement on avoiding dangerous situations, such as driving, drinking or using drugs.

ESSEX also has a Sexual Abuse and Harassment Policy designed to protect every student in the care of our Rotary clubs. These procedures also are required for international partners.

Rotary Exchange monitors situations closely in partner countries. Those countries deemed high risk are removed from the list for exchanges.

Families are not required to host an exchange student when there student participates in the long-term exchange program. However, many families find that hosting an exchange student is a rewarding experience. The short-term exchange program is a one-to-one exchange that requires families to host a student. 

Rotary is one of the least expensive study abroad programs available for high school students. Rotary clubs sponsor exchange students, helping to dramatically offset expenses and make the exchange more affordable.

The costs vary depending on whether your student is interested in the long-term exchange or short-term exchange program. Exchange student families are responsible for the cost of application fee, insurance, visa, vaccines and immunizations, round-trip airfare and extra spending money. Tours, sightseeing trips and excursions are an optional expenses.

Studying abroad is an enriching experience that will help your student stand out on a college or job application. Some U.S. high schools accept credits from schools in other countries. Prior to departure, it’s recommended that arrangements are made with your local school district to determine if credits will be accepted.

Students who go on exchange after high school graduation, will need to work with their college or university to defer admission for a year. Some academic institutions also offer credits for foreign language study.

Yes. ESSEX administers Rotary student exchange programs in the northeastern United States, Quebec, Canada and Bermuda. We are a proud member of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), a nonprofit organization that sets standards and monitors compliance for international educational travel. ESSEX is also approved by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security. ESSEX also complies with Rotary International’s certification policy for exchange program participation.