What was your experience with Rotary Youth Exchange like?

Would I get into the Rotary Exchange Program?

• I've been interested in Rotary Youth Exchange for quite a while now and have decided to graduate from high school a year earlier and apply to the program next year. I'm currently a sophomore, but I'd be a senior next year with graduation early and take an exchange the year after, as a gap year type of thing. My main worry about exchanging is actually knowing if I'd get into the program. I'm just worried that I'd be graduating early, not making it, and then missing college apps, because you wouldn't find out until about December if you got in and where you are going. GPA - 4.0 and 4.48 Activities: I'm a very active member in school's drama program, take ballet classes at local studio, a member of National honors Society and the International Thespians Society. I really love the idea of finally escaping Florida for a year and going off to learn a new language, meet new people, and discover a different culture. I'm really not picky about where I'd be going, but somewhere in Europe would be a dream. What experience have you had with Rotary applications and do you know anyone accepted/denied? Thanks!!!

• Answer:

  Hey there! :D I did exactly what you want to do and am currently a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Germany for this school year (BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! :D ) I think you application looks pretty good. What I did (I'm from California) was got all my credits secured away but I'm still getting 2012 on my diploma (I'm technically a senior this year) so that if something goes wrong with my exchange and I want, I will be able to go back to high school for the last few months. It was my back up plan for lack of better wording. What really matters is the interview and the competition you will have for it. You general application looks decent though. Before your interview research your Rotary club and see what projects they are involved in because a very common question in the interviews seems to be "What do you know about Rotary?" I hope this helps and good luck! It's really the most amazing thing I have ever done. :)