It's a nervous wait...
Once you've applied we will be in touch to let you know we've received your application and then we follow the below process. Please note dates are subject to change but use these as a guideline.
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We will host an information zoom session on 25th March - please register here.
Wanting to apply? Check out our Application Form page to download a copy of our initial application form
The Application Process
February 2026 - May 2026
Congrats on taking the first step!
This is the start of the best adventure of your life. Once we have received your application we will review it.
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You will be asked to pay $125 application fee (which helps cover our Admin costs).
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Once this has been received we will review your application and start contacting your referees.
From there...
​​​​We aim to confirm your application by mid May 2026
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You and your parents will be invited to an information session (via Zoom), along with other parents and students who have applied. This is an opportunity to learn more about our programme and ask any questions. We will ask you and your parents if you are able to host an exchange student as this is a compulsory part of our exchange, whilst you don't need to confirm an answer at this information session we will need you to confirm it at the Interview Stage.
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The Interview Stage
May 2026
If your application is successful you will be invited to an interview day in mid May 2026.
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Students and parents will be interviewed and have the opportunity to learn more about our programme.
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We will ask parents to confirm their hosting ability and timing at this time.
Selection Process (End of May - June 2026)
Once we've met you we will continue to consider all applicants. We may need another interview with you or your parents but this will be done via Zoom. We expect to have final consideration by end of May - mid June 2026.
We will be in touch to let you know the news and we aim to give you a proposed country at this point. Please note, countries can change and it's all dependent on our exchange partners accepting your application.
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Our next step is to focus on our Inbound Students and our hosting requirements so we will likely be in touch regarding timings and when families can host. This is a real jigsaw puzzle and takes us a number of weeks as we need to also balance local schools and Rotary Clubs too.
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Once you've been selected, students and parents will be invited to another information session in late March via Zoom to focus on how to complete the full application form.
The Full Application Form
We will be honest - this is a beast of a form, approximately 40 pages long! Students need to be organised to get their application form together.
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Your application includes a full medical and dental check up so we suggest you make these appointments first as there can be a wait for an appointment. You will need to enclose a full copy of your immunisation record and we may ask you to get another immunisation if required.
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You will be expected to write a letter to your new host family and a letter from your parents too! You will need lots of great pictures of your family, your house and activities you love. We want to see you put your best foot forward.
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You will need a school referee and academic record to be enclosed.
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Finally, we will find you a NZ sponsor club and introduce you to them. We will need signatures from them and you may need to visit and meet them to get these signatures. You will build a strong relationship with your sponsor club and you need to be prepared to get involved with their club activities and present at their Rotary Club.
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Once you have completed your application, allow two to three weeks for us to check it. You may be asked to make further changes.
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In the background (June onwards)
Whilst you've been completing your application form, students are encouraged to undertake independent study of their new language. There are many different resources but students are encouraged to ask teachers and members of their community for help. We cannot stress enough, the more language a student knows, the easier the integration in their new country will be.
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Students are also encouraged to undertake a part-time job or fundraising to support their exchange. It's an incredible opportunity but it is YOUR year so consider how YOU can participate towards the cost.
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There will be other timeframes throughout the year which will be explained in full detail including when costs are due etc.
Orientation Weekend (July/August)
Parents will be invited to a Travel and Preparation zoom session (approx 2 hours) in July followed by a casual in-person catch up.
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Students will be invited to a weekend get-together in Tutukaka where the students will learn more about our programme, rules, risks, expectations and lots more. If all goes to plan we hope to head out on a group activity to the Poor Knight's islands for some winter snorkelling!
Marae Weekend (October)
All students (both Inbound and Outbound) will be invited to a Maori Marae Immersion weekend at the end of the school holidays. This will be Friday through to Sunday based in Whangarei and Waitangi. Students will visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds and participate in a Hangi and Waka Ama.
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We hope to have confirmed students countries by Marae weekend and have final confirmation of their flight details in October.​
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Final Debrief (Nov 2026)
Students and parents will be invited to a 3/4 Saturday debrief in early - mid December. This location may be the North Shore or may be Whangarei. This will be a final debrief where last minute questions are answered. Students will need to give their full introductory presentation (in their new language.) This is an exciting and nervous time!
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Departure (Dec 26)
Students depart in early December and return mid February 2027, and we can't wait to welcome them home!​
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