Programs & Projects

Student Exchange Short Term Program — General Information
(The ESSEX Short Term or Family to Family Exchange)

The ESSEX Short Term or Family to Family Exchange arranges for a Rotarian or non-Rotarian student’s family to host a matching Rotary applicant (between the ages of 15 and 19 years) usually for 3 to 6 weeks during the summer. The American Rotary sponsored student will be hosted by the foreign student’s family in their country for an equal amount of time.

Rotary Short Term Exchange presents opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and world understanding and world peace by allowing them to exchange in a different country. Students can practice the language they are studying at school, but most foreign students understand English. Participants will live with host families in their selected land, under the sponsorship of their local Rotary Club.

Your expenses are the Cost of your travel, ESSEX Application fee of $65.00, and a 3 Month Rotary approved CISI-BOLDUC Plan B insurance for $125.00. Clothing and personal expenses are the responsibility each of the participating student and family. The student's family has a choice of making their own travel arrangements or using the ESSEX recommended travel agency, Bokoff/Kaplan.

The following is a list of countries available for the year 2005.  See the footnotes below this chart for countries with special requirements.

(1) Sends December-January Hosts July-August   
(2) Sends April-May Hosts July-August
All others send & receive during June-July-August. 

The earlier an application arrives the better chance you have of exchanging with your first choice of countries. It is also helpful for placement if you are able to host a student of either sex. Application due by June 1st.

To apply, you will need to

• Download information and the Short Term Exchange Application form available at www.exchangestudent.com.
• Fill out the requested information – including the name, address and phone number of your local Rotary Club chairman and your district chairman (email addresses are greatly appreciated). We request that ALL applications be typed (easier to read when sent by fax). You cannot save this application with the information inserted. Be sure to print each page as you complete it.
• Print out 6 copies. (5 copies to your district chairman, one for your files)
• You and your parents should sign all copies with blue ink.
• Make one copy of the health insurance policy at www.culturalinsurance.com. You MUST take the 3 month short-term Plan B.
• Two checks:
  1. to "ESSEX STEP" for the amount of $65.00
  2. to CISI-Bolduc for the amount of $125.00
• Keep one copy of the application for your files and send the other 5 copies to your district chairman.
• Apply for your passport, if necessary.

For More information or to Apply, contact:

Rotary District 7230
Student Exchange Step Chairman
Tom Minozzi
150 Saw Mill River Road
Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
(914) 478-1188
Fax (914) 478-1880
tminozzi@aol.com

» Step Handbook (2005–2006)