Study abroad: Applications now open for Rotary Youth Exchange program

The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 Rotary Youth Exchange program.

The exchange, which lasts through the academic year, sees local students travel abroad and attend local schools in that country while also living with local host families.

Ellery Bowman, who was part of the 2022 program, said the opportunity was life-changing.

"I realized around Christmas that the way I even think about a situation or a decision in life had completely matured and changed,” said Bowman, who spent a year abroad in Belgium. “I no longer needed help riding public transport or speaking to strangers in a different language. My confidence and my sense of self-worth were brought up!”

An information session for students and guardians will be held on Sept. 20 in the W.J. Thompson Room at City Hall and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the program.

The program includes the following:

• Hosting by foreign Rotary Club
• Primary tuition and placement in school approved by foreign Rotary Club
• Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
• Monthly stipend from hosting Rotary Club 
• 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance throughout the program

The deadline to apply top participate in the program is Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. and interviews will be held on Sept. 30.

Additional information as well as registration can be found here.