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Frequently Asked Questions
There's no such thing as a dumb question so we've added some that we get most often but if you have a question we haven't answered please drop us a line!
If you've thought it, chances are someone has asked it..
Q: Where do you exchange to?
We have a list of several long-term exchange partners, but are adding new partners every year. Check out our countries page to learn more.
Q: Where do you leave?
Students depart in December 2026 and return 12 weeks later in mid February 2027.
Q: I don't know a second language...
Whilst having basic second language skills is important, everyone is encouraged to apply. Students will need to learn their new language before they depart!
Q: I don't have a passport?
That's okay, we will help you apply for one before you leave! The standard time for processing passports by the Department of Internal Affairs is 5 weeks so students will need to have applied in July for a new passport prior to leaving. All passports must be valid until August 2027.
Q: I'm not COVID vaccinated...
Whilst we respect everyone's personal choices, many of our schools overseas enforce that students are COVID vaccinated so unfortunately we can only accept applications from students who have received minimum two doses of the COVID vaccine. Students that haven't been vaccinated but are prepared to, are most welcome to apply. ​​
Q: What about other vaccines...
Rotary International has been a leader since the 1980's in the eradication of Polio so all students must be Polio vaccinated. There are other vaccines students may need to have had including; Chicken Pox, Meningococcal, Tetanus and MMR. These are not too dissimilar to standard NZ childhood vaccines. Some countries may require second doses, top ups or other vaccines but this will be discussed with you.
Q: Do I have to attend school?
Yes attending school is a compulsory part of the programme. Students that skip school risk being sent home.
Q: Does my overseas schooling count to a NZ qualification?
No, students work overseas does not count towards any NZ qualification. Students are not allowed to continue any NZ studies whilst overseas. This is a great opportunity for students to try a new subject like photography or drama that they may not have in their NZ academic programme.
Q: Should I go in Yr 11, 12 or Yr 13?
We accept applications from students aged 15 - 17 1/2 as at December 2026. As our exchange is during the majority of our Summer holidays, students only miss a few weeks of the new 2027 academic year. This does not often have an impact on their qualifications.
Q: Is home hosting compulsory?
As this is a true exchange we do rely on families hosting an international student for a minimum of three months. This is a great way to see first-hand our programme and to be involved either before or after your student leaves. This is a very rewarding way to be involved with your student's exchange!
Q: Can I choose which country I go to?
Mostly yes, we have long-term exchange partners we frequently exchange with but are always looking for new countries. We ask students to give us three countries they are interested in.
Q: What qualities are you looking for?
We are looking for students with ambassadorial qualities keen to showcase NZ and our culture to the world. If you have a track record of service and helping others we love to see that. We love students with a "YES" attitude, keen to undertake a new challenge and are resilient. We love leaders, students who are willing to help and students who are open-minded about new cultures and meeting new people. We love students who are independent and like to make new friends. If this sounds like you, what are you waiting for!?
Q: What about COVID?
COVID has impacted our programme but we are excited to have resumed our programme. We continue to work with local Rotary Clubs and our exchange partners to ensure our students are kept safe and sound!
Q: What's the application process?
Read more here!
Q: What's the cost?
As this is a scholarship programme, students do not pay any international school fees or board. Students are home-hosted where meals are provided.
Families can expect to pay approximately $8,000 - $10,000 including; flights, insurance, monthly living costs. Some countries offer a Christmas/Ski Trip during December which is an additional cost. Our Rotary Youth Exchange programme is one of the cheapest year-long exchange programmes in the world.
Q: I can't afford it, is there financial support available?
There are multiple avenues for financial support and students are encouraged to apply directly for these. All students are encouraged to fundraise to get a part-time job to assist with the cost - it's their exchange after all!
Q: Can we visit our student whilst they are overseas?
This is strongly discouraged and is at the discretion of the Host District. We suggest families wait until the student is home and then head back to visit their friends and host families.
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