Youth exchange is one of the oldest standing programs Rotary has. Rotary Youth Exchange Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. It is am amazing opportunity for the students, families and the world as they become strong leaders for our future.
Dr. Regina Werum (Rotary 14) provided information about one of our long-standing cross-club projects, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYE). Fun Fact: It was first initiated back in the 1920s and is certified by the US Department of State.
Locally we are currently hosting 3 high-school students, one each from Bolivia, Spain and Ukraine. All three are attending Lincoln Public Schools, all are thriving and will be giving club presentations at Rotary 14 in April. Regina cordially invited our club members to be their guests at the noontime meeting on Tuesdays at the Cornhusker Hotel. Please contact her for details at rwerum2@unl.edu.
Regina also provided an overview of what the RYE program does in general, presenting club members with ideas on how they might become actively involved in various ways.
- Doing a Rotary or Community Service Activity? Invite a student!
- Got spare tix to events? Invite a student!
- Got odd jobs? Hire a student!
- Going sailing, fishing, golfing, to see the Sandhill Cranes…? Invite a student!
- Want to serve as a mentor/counselor to a student? Talk to me!
- Want to host or send a student in the future? Talk to me!
- Know a student who’d like to apply but needs info/assistance? Let’s talk!
- Rotary 14 Foundation has scholarships!
- Want to help us advertise or implement the program? Talk to me!
- Want to help with interviewing prospective applicants/future outbounds students?
Alternatively, club members might consider serving as mentors similar to the teammates program, which would involve meeting with the you wouldn't once a month for maybe an hour or so to inquire about their highs and lows, questions and concerns.
Of course, we are also asked to consider hosting a high school student this upcoming year, either for a semester or for the entire year, whichever suits your family best. Having a teenage host student in the house as an older sibling can be a very rewarding experience for both parents and young ones. However, it is not necessary for you to have children in the house in order to qualify to serve as a host parent! Empty nesters also frequently enjoy having their nest filled again!
During the 2025-26 school year, we are expecting to host two students, one from Japan and 1:00 from Ukraine. Please reach out to Regina Werum or Bob Rauner you would like to be involved in hosting or supporting them actively.
Wondering what to expect?
Ask any family who has hosted a student for any length of time in any program.
Ask any person who has hosted a student for a weekend outing.
Ask anyone who has heard stories of how Rotary helped shaped the future for these students.
Ask the students who will share about every interaction that they had - how people cared about them and their Youth Exchange experience.
If you are able to help in any way, please the Lincoln South Rotary Club Youth Program chair Clay - click here to send an email to Clay.