Rotary Youth Exchange VS. AFS

[@intlentreprenr]

In case anyone's interested, AFS does give away $2-3 million in scholarships in the USA. Some are merit-based but most are for need. If you're applying for an AFS program, my advice is to work with both your AFS-USA contact and local AFS chapter for scholarship opportunities. Have your parents complete the FAST form early because AFS gives many students scholarships soon after their FAST application is submitted. Early applicants often get more scholarship opportunities (early like fall & winter for summer departures). Students who show that they're active in working or fundraising float to the top of the selection pool. Last year in Phoenix, volunteers literally didn't have enough need-based students for the $000s per student we wanted to give.

[@glowingcrystal504]

Becky Park: that really helps!! Thank u!!

[@juliahoppe3965]

Hey girls! Your video is really interesting. I liked the way you discussed things.. allways showing 2 perspectives. I made my exchange program in Germany, in 2010, with AFS. Now Im an afs voluunteer and I love this. As the italian girl said, one of the things I like the most about AFS is that we have only one family (if you have problems, you can change family, but you dont have to do that). I had the best family in whole Germany!!!! They visited me in Brasil in 2012, I visited them in 2013... we send letters to each other... thats amazing, isnt it? Nowadays I'm a global citizen and I have 2 big families, one in Brasil and another one in Germany.

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Júlia Hoppe That's really amazing! Yeah, I definitely think it's a nice way to have exchangers get really close to their host family. And, the bond you have with your host family is amazing! It's kind of difficult to get that sometimes with 2-3 families during exchange.

[@Wisegirl151]

Loved the video! I'm going to Denmark with rotary in August and I'm so excited! When you were talking about placement I realized how lucky I was, I'm going to be 30 minutes outside Copenhagen... Your videos helped me chose rotary btw so thank you!

[@StephanieLTravels]

Wisegirl151 Really glad you liked it :) Denmark will be really fun, and yeah, you got really lucky with the placement there! And, also, thank you, that means a lot to me :)

[@22k-x7i]

I plan to go with AFS- to Japan (2018-2019 .. I'll be in grade 11 then. Currently grade 9 & 15yrs of age) But I was wondering.. what happens after the exchange is done? Would I have to repeat grade 11? Will going to Japan count, will I receive credits? How will it affect me when I go into grade 12?

[@StephanieLTravels]

It completely depends on your individual school. My best advice would be to talk to your guidance counselor about the possibility of going abroad and somehow getting credit while you're abroad or maybe taking some kind of online courses. Best of luck, sorry I couldn't be of more help!

[@22k-x7i]

No,no thank you. That helps a lot!

[@lauraeunseobaek]

Renee Bitch Hey I'm planning on going in 2018 too ^_^

[@hime_ichi]

hiii! I plan on doing that but its not definite! same program , country, age, and grade haha I have the same concerns

[@cloudhye7629]

Renee Bitch Hey I'm going to 10 grade and I'm almost 16. I'm planning on going to Japan as a exchange student during my summer vacations. I'll be going year 2019.

[@alexiaarmand1313]

Former exchange student - cost me 2000€ to the maximum. Amazing experience to the US in 2009-2010 (the country that I chose) still in touch with my host families and friends there. It changed my life and I am grateful to the Rotary for the opportunity. The great part of it is to be in touch with other exchange students in my district. My grades weren't the best but I was so motivated that my Rotary club accepted my application - when I came back home, I did really well in school. The bonus was pocket money from Rotary every month. My blazer is also probably more valuable than a photo album !

[@sarabartosova3195]

Thanks for sharing. :-) I'm going to Mexico in august. I've chosen Rotary not only because the price but the idea behind it.

[@StephanieLTravels]

Carpe Diem That's awesome! You must be so excited!! Score one for RYE :P

[@avionita8745]

Sára Bartošová Hey I'm also going to Mexico through RYE! I got D4130, how about you? :)

[@noemifranco2604]

Wondering Child i can talk with u about RYE?

[@fionariki4417]

Am thinking about exchange but I don't know which program is best for me yet. I would like to see your opinion on different exchange programs.

[@Adventurous-Emma]

This is fun to compare! I went to Costa Rica with AFS, then got home and hosted a Finnish Exchange student with AFS. I continue to volunteer with them to this day because I love hanging out with other exchange students so much and I'm actually going to work with them this summer as a counselor! (I did some vlogs while in Costa Rica if anyone is interested :P)

[@nicostudebaker34]

I'm going to Costa Rica with AFS this summer, how was your exchange?

[@Adventurous-Emma]

It was amazing. Costa Rica is a crazy beautiful country, it feels so wild and exotic which makes every day (even ten hour school days) feel like an adventure. Make sure you take advantage of cheap solo travel, my friend and I took buses all around the country. Oh and be sure to eat all the amazingly delicious food, especially fruit and empanadas.

[@nicostudebaker34]

+Adventurous Emma Sounds great, looking forward to it! Thanks!

[@onlyILON]

Hey Nicolas! I'm also going to Costa Rica with AFS this summer! Do you by any chance have snapchat, instragram etc? It'd be nice to get in contact with you :)

[@nicostudebaker34]

+IlonAtzMusic Sure, sounds great! My Instagram is nico.studebaker and my snapchat is nico_studebaker

[@leticia8525]

Rotary is the best! just saying

[@leximarie5153]

Hi! I'm from RYE Florida as well! I'm going outbound to Italy in September!

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Lexi, I was a Rotary Exchange student in Finland in 2003-2004. I speak 8 languages. I work as an online tutor. If you are interested in getting a jump start on your Italian please leave a comment below. The first lesson is free and after your parents pay me through PayPal. I use Skype. I always require a parent to be at the lessons. This is my website for you and your parents to check out. Also, if you're interested have your mom or dad email me through my website. megan-de-perros-online-tutoring-services.com

[@StephanieLTravels]

That's so awesome, I hope you're having a great time there so far :)

[@petoklal]

i really enjoyed this It reminded me of my time with AFS I went to Slovakia for a year program 94-95. i have heard of other programs but I was most familiar with AFS that is way I went with them

[@CaitlinStoryLovesYou]

I have a couple of Exchange students in my classes this year. I live in Florida and they got stuck in good ol' clay county ! It's a small county . I honestly felt bad that they got stuck here but they seem to like it which is good !

[@gbbjjn8012]

For rotary, are grades a big factor in the application process?

[@maryanthony2396]

+G Bbjjn Nope! In my district I needed two recommendation letters from my teachers, but one of them didn't even turn it in (they're supposed to mail them in, you can't look at them) and I still got in.

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Hi, I have a book about Rotary for about $15. No, but no Fs and only 1 D.

[@alexgnas]

Really good, girls! congrats for the video and for your Exchange experiences!!!!!

[@violetsunflower6411]

If you go on a Rotary exchange program , do you HAVE to take a person in your family from another country too ?

[@StephanieLTravels]

My family didn't. But, I do know that there are some districts that make it a requirement. So, it all just depends on your district and the rules that it has.

[@violetsunflower6411]

Do you know other exchange programs, that are cheap like rotaty?

[@StephanieLTravels]

I know that Rotary is supposed to be the cheapest youth exchange program for most people. Other than that, I'm not exactly sure about other programs other than RYE and AFS

[@rootedtogrowwny]

No, you do not.

[@rootedtogrowwny]

You want to go through Rotary. It's the best when it comes to safety standards and your experiences are amazing.

[@samanthaberk7484]

Omg! I watched your videos the whole time leading up to my exchange, and now rewatching this video I just realized you went through RYE FL too!

[@afsmarc9050]

Please take the comments/answers with a grain of salt. For example, the Italian AFSer is wrong about being able to travel around anytime if you want if the school and host family are OK with it. The answers are based on one AFSer from Italy, who applied in Italy and her own experience in one US community. For answers go to your country's AFS web site - for USA it is www.afsusa.org. Have a great adventure...it's not a vacation.

[@StephanieLTravels]

AFS Marc Very true! I try to emphasize that in all my videos. It's just our experiences :) Thanks for the info!

[@intlentreprenr]

Well said, Marc. It's the most challenging & rewarding thing you can do if you're an open-minded adventurous person. But it ain't sunshine, lollipops & Disneyland. It's hard work. It changed the direction of my life, my career choice, who I married, how I now raise my kids... everything. If anyone has questions about what the AFS USA rules are, definitely use the chat on the afs usa website.

[@SebastianCastillo-xx5dc]

Hello! My name is Sebastian, i am from Mexico, and i am a Rotary Youth Exchanger, and now, i am in Thailand too, but i am in the north.

[@dawndl4940]

Distrito 3360?

[@annefleur_vs]

Did you have your first choice ?

[@twilightprincessrosie]

I'm pretty used to traveling, I'm kinda stuck between rotary and afs I really want to choose rotary but I'm afraid I won't get my first choice bc the country I want to go to I've been studying the language for 4 years and I would be disappointed and deny if I didn't get my first choice. I am interested in many other countries but I feel like the effort and excitement I put into my first choice would go waste :( what's the likelihood I would get my first country?

[@StephanieLTravels]

I always say that it completely depends on the district. Some districts don't have a lot of students so it's easier to get your first choice, but some (like the one I was from) hardly ever gave people their first choice. My suggestion would be to apply to both and then denying one of them if it doesn't work out for you. Sorry this probably doesn't help much. You're best bet would to talk to someone in your Rotary district who has gone through the exchange program.

[@twilightprincessrosie]

Wondering Child Thanks for answering! I'll try signing with both programs and see if rotary works well for me!

[@mountainbee]

Rose A. Hey! I'm doing Rotary exchange next year, and they always say it really depends on your language skills and how many spots they have. For example, they haven't given me a country yet but have pretty much guaranteed Japan because I can speak Japanese and I'm the only person in my town and 1/5 in my region interested in going on exchange. No one else in my region has listed Japan as their number one and they have twelve spots for my region. You just need to write your application based on that country and list it number one on your foreign language. It is scary though if you do have your mind set on one country though

[@twilightprincessrosie]

Elizabeth Kelly thank you! I can speak pretty advanced Japanese and my local rotary club, I don't think will have too many people going to Japan, bc I live in a pretty small city here

[@rootedtogrowwny]

I was a Rotary Exchange student in Finland in 2003-2004. I speak 8 languages. I work as an online tutor. If you are interested in getting a jump start on your host country's language, if I know it, please leave a comment below. The first lesson is free and after your parents pay me through PayPal. I use Skype. I always require a parent to be at the lessons. This is my website for you and your parents to check out. Also, if you're interested have your mom or dad email me through my website. megan-de-perros-online-tutoring-services.com

[@user-yn7eo5gz8l]

I live in miami florida and am planning to use rotary because my issue is money wise. My first choice was afs but since rotary is cheaper im in the line. I want to go for 11th grade, im currently 14 years old i age on july so ill be 16 in 11th grade. I only want to go to japan though, is mandatory to choose other choices? And if you have any advice it would greatly help me thanks c:

[@StephanieLTravels]

Jael Lopez As for Rotary Florida, I know for a fact that they make you choose other ones, because they don't promise in the slightest that you'll get your first choice. It was the same for me with the money, though. I think you'd be fine with either program you choose, though. I didn't think I would enjoy Thailand as much as I did, and I can't even imagine not going now :)

[@user-yn7eo5gz8l]

Wondering Child im guessing that you didnt know much about the culture? I want to go to japan but if i end up going to korea for example im not going to be that happy because i dont know anything about the language or culture i only knew about japan. Are there any other programs that are affordable and gurantee that youll go to your first choice?

[@StephanieLTravels]

Personally, I don't know of any. Almost all the ones that guarantee your first choice are extremely expensive. I understand, though, that is what happened with me. But, being on exchange, you learn about the language and culture really quickly, that I wouldn't be too concerned about it, and in the end, you might get your first choice, you never know :)

[@nataliavizonilegarth798]

Is it possible not to do the exchangeyear after rotary tells you your host country or do you then have to go on the trip

[@amandaxu5071]

This video is old wow haha. Anyways, I'm trying to convince my parents to let me go on an exchange to Japan or China. I've been trying to gather information to find out which program is best so I can provide them with this information (so far I'm really leaning towards afs). I'm sure my parents will tell me no as they have before:// but I plan to wait a while to ask them again!! This video was really helpful. I have a friend who is currently on an exchange in Korea through rotary and I think it seems so cool to do.

[@sarpila1995]

Hi! I’m actually looking to go to Korea with Rotary, like your friend did. Do you know if it was her first preference? Or second, third, etc? Thanks! :)

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

I was a Rotary Exchange student in district 622 I think it was, back in 1986/87. The price of the program was free I think. The only thing was that I had to have a minimum of $300 in the bank. The plane ticket was free. I even got pocket money from my host club. That was $40 a month. I heard some got 80! The only thing my parents had to do was to take in a student, of course, no problem. I am still in contact with all the families and friends that I made. If my health holds up I hope to be a part of a high school reunion this summer. Where is this you ask. Upper Michigan. Greetings from Norway!

[@khtoo52]

When are you going to Japan?

[@StephanieLTravels]

ker htoo In August of this year :)

[@lonnekeblom3749]

I really want to go on exchange tot usa but it is really expensive, its like 11000 euro and my parent don't really want to pay this. But with Rotary its more cheap and now my parent Will maby sent me on exchange (i am from the Netherlands and i am now in 9th grade, i am 14 years old now. I want to go when i Will be in 12 grade) but i am really considering what i have to choose😶🤯

[@hannahkern8290]

I didn't do any presentation as well!! haha not at home neither in my host country... i went to brazil with rotary

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Hannah Kern So glad I'm not the only one!

[@brennathecatlover4360]

I’ll be 19 in April but I’m a senior this year. Can I do a gap year with rotary even though I’ll be 19? I live in America

[@TheHonorRising]

Hey does anyone here know if I can request to have my destination changed? I wanted a big and typical American high school (lots of electives and sports), and wanting that was my biggest reason for going. Instead I got a town with 2000 people and a high school with 100 people. There's 8 people per class on average and basically zero electives that interest me... Can I request another destination?

[@alexandriamiller6397]

Do they accept most people who apply into The Rotary Youth Exchange Program?

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Alexandria Miller Depends on your district. My district was a little more strict because we had more people wanting to be in the program. So it just depends on your district.

[@rootedtogrowwny]

My district was super competitive. Other districts they like beg for teens to join.

[@LPScreepychimp]

Do you know what your chances are of getting your first pick of a country in AFS are?? I'm hoping to go to Japan on exchange :)

[@StephanieLTravels]

+LPScreepychimp I honestly don't really know. According to my roommate, though, you have to earn points somehow. And those points attribute to you getting your first choice or not. Sorry, not much help :(

[@LPScreepychimp]

Wondering Child No worries! Believe it or not you helped a lot! Does you friend know if registering early will raise your chances? Thanks so much! I love your vids, they really help me and so many people :) Also, which one in your and your friends opinion is overall better? Rotary or AFS :)

[@StephanieLTravels]

She said that it doesn't actually raise points, but it just looks better in general. It was the same with my program. Awwe! Thank you so much, that really means a lot :) I would say AFS, honestly, because of the fact that you pay more, you get quite a few opportunities that you don't really get in Rotary. Granted, I love Rotary, don't get me wrong. But, with AFS, I feel like the focus is a lot more about making the exchanger happy, because they paid more.

[@LPScreepychimp]

Wondering Child Thanks so much for replying! I really can't wait to go to Japan :) I hope you had a nice time on your exchange and I hope to see new vids of yours :D

[@intlentreprenr]

Hi, I'm an AFS volunteer living in Phoenix. If you apply to AFS early enough in the season, you get your first choice country. For American students studying abroad, it's on a first come first place basis

[@user-wx4bg9gc7w]

Hi! I was wondering how you afforded everything. Did you do any fundraising? The only thing preventing me from going is the price.

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Mia Jones I understand. I was in the same boat. Well, first of all, try to go with Rotary if price is an issue, it usually ends up costing an exchange student $4000-5000 USD for the year - which is the cheapest option I've heard of for exchangers. You can do fundraising, but I tried to work a crap ton before leaving and applying for a scholarship my home rotary group offered which was $1000. If you talk to your sponsor group, they'll usually help even if it's just a little bit, and sometimes you host group can also help with the trip costs if you ask - my rotary group did as well. Overall, I think it's possible, for sure, you just have to be proactive with looking up scholarships and trying to earn money before leaving. Hope things work out :)

[@user-wx4bg9gc7w]

+Wondering Child thank you so much!

[@StephanieLTravels]

No problem!

[@intlentreprenr]

Hi Mia, AFS USA gives away $3million each year in need-based scholarships. Local chapters sometimes have additional scholarships. There's also always the State Department programs which are FREE exchanges for summer or year. Those programs are YES, CB, & NSLIY

[@Mailmanqq]

at 8:12 she gets so italian and itS AMAZING

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Mailmanq Yussssss, that is really funny :P

[@Mailmanqq]

+Wondering Child Also thanks for doing all these videos! I got accepted as a rotary exchange student to Turkey for 2015/2016!!!

[@MaddiManga]

Do they except A-B grades? (I make mostly As, but will make a B or two)

[@HeyHeyitsSami]

yes they do :) for Rotary at least, I think your GPA is supposed to be above 2.8 or 3.0, something like that. Not super high.

[@MaddiManga]

Thank you very much! That makes me feel much more confident. :)

[@zannahschorer6074]

+Maddi It depends on the program (at least with AFS) I did the AFS Ireland trip and they said that the grade requirement was a 2.00 gpa. some of them are higher but usually like 2.50 to 3.00. Its not like they'll turn you away for not having a perfect gpa

[@zannahschorer6074]

Thanks for the video! I traveled to ireland with afs for one of the summer programs and I was looking into some other programs because I want to do a whole year abroad. I was wondering if rotary allowed gap year programs (like doing a second senior year abroad after you've already graduated) I know afs does I just wanted to keep some options open and see what other programs do gap years

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Zannah Schorer Yeah, that's what I did, in fact, I left for Thailand when I was 18 and half years old after my senior year :) The only thing is that there are country restrictions in some cases, like I wasn't allowed to apply for South Korea, because they didn't want anyone over 18. Sorry about the late reply!

[@brennathecatlover4360]

@@StephanieLTravels do some countries allow u to be 19 at the start of the program?

[@bigbuggie5]

I did an exchange through Rotary and my local Rotary club sponsored me. The only thing I paid for was my vest and insurance. Got a monthly allowance too. =)

[@noemifranco2604]

Esther i can talk with u about RYE?

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Hi Noemi, I have a book for about $15 on Rotary. I did the exchange in 2003-2004 to Finland. I can answer some questions here for you, without you needing to buy my book unless you want to. :)

[@FernandoAlonso-cj6pr]

@@rootedtogrowwny hi i want to know

[@bossfish7974]

Is rotary avalable in New Zealand do you know? Like, I'm from New Zealand and I was wondering if rotary does exchanges from here to like, Japan. Cool video btw. I think I might go with rotary only because i'm not very rich and where I live is pretty empty so a job is a no-go.

[@NotYoMommaMia]

Rotary is available in New Zealand I am traveling there in 2017 (: just talk to a counselor from your school about it.

[@wendhyline]

+Mia Burns omg I'm going to New Zealand in 2017 too

[@sabahlf6446]

hey i just wanna ask u and please answer me . i wanna be go to u.k .but in web site i didn't find the office in my country which is morroco what should i do ?

[@StephanieLTravels]

I don't think that rotary exchanges with the UK. If you want to be going there, I suggest looking at programs that specifically go to the UK. So sorry I can't be more help, but I don't know much about Morroco's exchange programs.

[@sabahlf6446]

+Wondering Child ooh it's ok :) you don't have to be but you helped me as well thank u again

[@StephanieLTravels]

No problem! I hope it works out for you :)

[@luke_5187]

With Rotary can you go to and English speaking country?

[@annabossaller2945]

I’m got accepted into Rotary youth exchange for 2019/2019 school year!!! I’m going to Italy!!!

[@annefleur_vs]

Was Italy your first choice ?

[@annabossaller2945]

DJ Enna it was!

[@leena7301]

Hello! I was wondering which program treats the exchange student better because I am so torn between the two.

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Leena ♡ I wouldn't really say that one treats exchange students better than the other, it's just which one fits your desires more. Hope this video could give you a little insight!

[@leena7301]

Ah okay! Thanks for the reply! Love your videos by the way :-)

[@StephanieLTravels]

No problem! Sorry I couldn't be of more help :( And thank you so much!

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Both treat the students well.

[@michellebuchner5745]

I'm going with rotary next year to hungary and I'd like to know how well do you think I should know the language.

[@StephanieLTravels]

Michelle Buchner Always try to learn as much as you can before you go :) no such thing as learning too much! At least try to know some basics, though, maybe look up an audio program you can listen to on the flight or while you're just hanging out.

[@hello-ch9ke]

can I apply to both ?

[@mrTacooguy]

Anyone going to Colombia with rotary in 2016-17?

[@rootedtogrowwny]

I was a Rotary Exchange student in Finland in 2003-2004. I speak 8 languages. I work as an online tutor. If you are interested in getting a jump start on your Spanish please leave a comment below. The first lesson is free and after your parents pay me through PayPal. I use Skype. I always require a parent to be at the lessons. This is my website for you and your parents to check out. Also, if you're interested have your mom or dad email me through my website. megan-de-perros-online-tutoring-services.com

[@glenmor2785]

Germany2015 2016 rotary!! any tips for a nervous to-be-exchange student

[@StephanieLTravels]

glenmor Awesome!! :) I was so nervous before I left, too, so I can understand that. Unfortunately, I don't think there's much people can say to not make someone nervous. Just try to harness that into being excited, and know that you're going to have a great time!!

[@Warich0d0]

I'm from England and I'm 16 so I will be starting A levels which is a 2 year course but I want to do a year in the U.S. but I'm not sure if this will set me back in my studies. The U.S. As far as I'm aware don't teach A-Levels so I may get behind in my studies in England. What do you recommend I do as I want to experience American High School but I still need to get qualifications. Any advice is appreciated

[@StephanieLTravels]

Warich0d0 Well, I'm not really familiar with A levels. But they may or may not be similar to the American system "core classes". They're the required classes that everyone each year has to take (usually English, math, science, etc.) What a lot of people who had this same problem that I know did was try to see if you could essentially test out of the year you lost from the classes you do in America. I'm not exactly sure if this would work, but either way you'd have to talk to someone in your school and ask them this same question. So sorry I couldn't be of more help :(

[@TheCoolBacon]

i'm from the UK too except i'm nearly 19 :( hope it's not too late for me to do some sort of exchange

[@GabrielleDriese]

i know this is kind of a strange question, haha i apologize, but out of most exchange programs, which one do you think is most likely to give you your first choice? thank you (-:

[@StephanieLTravels]

Gabrielle D It's not a strange question at all! I do know that there are direct exchange programs to a specific country, so that would definitely be it. But, out of the "main" exchange programs, I would probably say AFS.

[@shanicewong6677]

Hi so they have scholarship for student exchange??

[@annabossaller2945]

I have a question! What was your gpa when you were accepted into Rotary? I'm worried mine may not be high enough.

[@StephanieLTravels]

Mine was over a 3.75, which I believe RYE used to want you to have over a 3.0 Don't quote me on that, though, it's just that every time I talked to someone in the outbound group that was the case.

[@annabossaller2945]

Wondering Child okay thank you!

[@omgirl2200]

You should've do a school tour video.

[@StephanieLTravels]

Yasmeen Tariq Of my University here in America?

[@alex25377]

I am going to Ecuador this year, 2015-16 with Rotary from iceland. We are actually only 6 going from iceland, 1 of us is going to Thai wan :) But didn´d you get 100 dollars every month? And how are the meetings? I literally dont know anything about rotary here. I am going on 2 meetings or more before going, becasue the other kids from our District said that we should do that because when they went on their exhcange everyone knew what rotary was and they knew nothing haha

[@alex25377]

Alex Þór Sigurðsson Ohhh i saw a comment down here, so you are going the same year as me? 2015-16? But just to another county?

[@StephanieLTravels]

Alex Þór Sigurðsson I already went on exchange through Rotary last year to Thailand. I'll be going on a study abroad trip this next year through University to Japan :) The monthly allowance is a little different from country to country, I got about the equivalent of 60 USD in Thailand, but it's more than enough. Also, the meetings are super different even within a country and the frequency of them. Mine were super formal and once every month.

[@TheCoolBacon]

i'm from the UK and i'm not sure if my district is that good for youth exchange, do you know if you can work with another district that has more of what you're looking for? also sadly i'm nearly 19 :( hope it's not too late for me to get involved

[@brennathecatlover4360]

I think rotary does take 19 year olds depending on where u wanna go

[@glowingcrystal504]

So I want to go to Japan as an exchange student in a program called AFS and it said for 15-18 year old ( I think) anyway--- I want to go after I graduate which I will be 18. I'm planning on going for a year but I'm gonna turn 19 while I'm in Japan. Do u think it's okay??? ( I'll be applying when I'm 17)

[@brennathecatlover4360]

I think rotary does 15-19 depending on where u live

[@danideleo1492]

hi! I was thinking about becoming a rotary foreign exchange student and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions over Facebook, email, or text message whichever you prefer(:

[@sarahbrad1612]

Hello! I don't know whether you will reply to my question and i understand that you probably will not know the answer but i haven't found many people that have gone on exchange through rotary so i find your channel very helpful. Question- Even though rotary is kind of known for not always allowing you to go to your country of 1st preference, do you think that your language capabilities can contribute to the final destination they choose for you?

[@sarahbrad1612]

I am hoping to go on exchange through rotary in 2019 (planning early i know) and rotary is my program of chose because i simply cannot afford many other programs. Japan is my 1st preference and i have learnt Japanese at school for the past 3 years. I will continue learning Japanese at school until i graduate hopefully so by 2019, i would have completed around 6 years of school-level Japanese. Do you think this would help in getting to my desired country? Also, would you actually recommend Rotary as a genuinely good program or would you say its more of a "This is all i can afford." program? Hope i didn't ask to much, sorry. Thank you.

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Lulu Bradley Hello! First of all, wow, that's a lot of learning Japanese. I've already been learning it for two years and I think it's a lot. As for Rotary, I'm actually not sure. The thing is with Rotary is that the requirements that they look at vary from country to country and even district to district for exchangers. I can imagine learning Japanese could never hurt. But, from my districts point of view, unless knowing some of the language is a requirement for a district to accept an exchange student, they don't really take it into account. My first choice was Japan as well, and they didn't care how much I knew of the culture and language (even though it wasn't that much at that point). My best advice, and what ended up making me okay with not getting Japan is that it's really easy to do a University exchange to Japan with a host family because it's such a popular country to go to in Asia. If you end up getting something else, keep an open mind, because I NEVER would've considered Thailand as a place I wanted to go before and I feel like I feel more comfortable with Thai culture more than Japan at this point. As for Rotary being a good program or not, I really do think it is worth it. Of course everyone's experiences are different, but overall I really didn't see too much of a difference from the four different exchange program exchangees than RYEs. I would still probably go with RYE if I re-did everything and I had the money for the other one's. Hope this helped! Good luck!

[@sarahbrad1612]

+Wondering Child Thank you so so much for your reply! It has helped me a lot. I'll thin carefully about everything you have mentioned and figure out whether Rotary is the program for me. Once again, thank you so much!

[@StephanieLTravels]

No problem! Good luck with everything :)

[@voisinem2]

Where are you guys from? Just curious...

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Melanie Voisine I'm from Tamba Bay, Florida. And she's from Arezzo, Italy :)

[@voisinem2]

Wondering Child I thought you guys were kinda from the same place oops!

[@StephanieLTravels]

Hahahaha! Nope, definitely not! :)

[@anjansarkar9254]

12k population town?

[@Em-ku9qn]

Could you possibly do packing advice videos, thanks!!

[@StephanieLTravels]

Emily O'Hearn It's been on my to do list for a while, but I promise it will be coming out in the next couple of months! :)

[@Em-ku9qn]

Also, quick question. When you switched host families w/ RYE, how far away do you usually go, do you have to change schools, towns, etc. Thank you so mcuh!!!!

[@StephanieLTravels]

Sometimes it's a little more extreme. But, usually it's the same school in the same city. For me, all my host families lived within a 5 minute drive away from each other :P and, no problem!

[@alex25377]

Emily O'Hearn Where are you going?

[@Em-ku9qn]

I'm going to Germany!

[@nvargas56]

just a little coment. not to be mean or anything. maybe because i went with AFS the same year that you put this video. so maybe things have change by now. first AFS rules are strict and they can vary from country that you go. i am a volunteer in AFS now that i have come from my exchange in Japan. the issue of host families in AFS is that host families in AFS is that they are volunteer too. not like rotary that the family you would be staying with recieves money to have you there. In AFS families do not recieve money, so is harder to find families in the same place. because a lot of people do not want to have an exchange student for free. so yeah it is a kind of dificult in that situation. but i really like the video I just wanted to coment on the things that are diferent know if by any chance someone sees this video like me. still i don know a lot of things about rotary. but i definetly know about AFS, as I said before i am a active volunteer of the organization. so yeah just wanted to add does coments.

[@StephanieLTravels]

Thanks for making this comment. I try to convey this in all my videos, but I try to stress that this was only my experiences or the ones of my friends that I ask to help out. As far as I know, though, rotary host families don't earn any money either, but it might have a lot to do with the fact that rotary host families are connected to an organization that's seen as a big part of their life outside of the exchange program. Thanks for putting in your input though, I don't see this as being mean at all, so don't worry about that. I love it when people put their input from their experiences on my channel, because like you said, a lot of it has to do with the country and area that you're in.

[@agnetelundvaldfisker1382]

Sorry I'm confused... Were you in Florida or Thailand?

[@StephanieLTravels]

I'm from Florida, and went to Thailand. My Roommate is from Italy, went to New Jersey, and now is in Florida :)

[@agnetelundvaldfisker1382]

Oh thanks a lot ;-) I didn't watch the whole video and my native language isn't English, so that's probably why I got confused:-) Would you recommend Rotary?

[@StephanieLTravels]

It's no problem! I personally loved Rotary, but it really ends up being up to the individual what program they think works best for them. There's a lot of factors that go into it, like if going where you want to is the most important thing to you and how much money you have to spend on it.

[@agnetelundvaldfisker1382]

Thank you :D

[@JackholeDiary]

So do you think families that do not live in metropolitan areas should avoild choosing students that do not come from a small town? Can you put in your profile that you would prefer a large town? You actually brought up my state and then seemed to infer that any place other than Miami would suck for the year. I guess we are lucky that we choose a student before seeing this video ori honestly think we would have decided not to be a host family. We were conserned that a kid coming from another country would not be excited to live on a small island in the Florida Keys. If I had seen this you would have justified that thought and the student we selected from ASSE exchange would have continued to be mad and feel like there was something wrong with him that kept himfrom being choosen. We had decided to go ahead and host the third week of August which for most of the kids that are wanting to be hosted mean they only had one more week to be picked or the money and time invested to even sign up for exchange would be forfit since it would have to all be spent again the next year if they were not soured on exchange. I know I would ddefinately not want to choose someone that is so rude to those people that are kind enough to open their hearts,homes and take on the expenses of hosting. You do understand that jost parents get no payments for feeding and sheltering one or more children. This is a harsh reality but you could be costing hundreds of students a chance. I am really glad we have a great connection already before he even comes with our student and his family but this definately has sewn the seeds of doubt about taking in and students in future.

[@StephanieLTravels]

+Jackhole Diary I'm really sorry this came off that way, that wasn't my intention. What I was trying to communicate is that a lot of exchange student, when coming to America, automatically think that they'll be going to somewhere like a metropolitan area (like miami) and don't end up having that. At least, that's what I've been told by all the exchange students in America that I've met. I personally grew up in a smaller town in Florida and went on exchange to a VERY small town in Thailand. That doesn't make it a bad thing. There are some people, like everyone else, that might prefer bigger cities over smaller ones, but I think that it gives a better perspective into actual life as someone who lives in that country. I'm actually happy that I didn't live in a big city on my exchange, and actually wish that I could live in a small city again for my study abroad in Japan, and not Tokyo. Each place has their "good" and "bad" points, but don't let this give you doubts. The fact that you open your home to exchange students is amazing, and exchange programs need people like you to keep it going! So, again, sorry if it came off as me saying that anywhere but Miami sucks, because that was definitely not my intent :(

[@JackholeDiary]

I hope at least you understand that you have to think about the implications your words could have for others. Our student made it a few issues in getting here but he made it safe and sound. We are really lucky I think it will be a great year for him and us. I still am not sure about next year since I worry we will not be so lucky next time and we will disappoint a student by picking them to come to our literal one stop light island.Maybe our student this year will find kids in his village that like him do not mind the thought of small town life. At least knowing then that the students we host were already aware of where they will be going will make things easier all around. It would be great if you could be up front in your expectations and desires for a host situation. Our student almost wasn't the one we chose because he felt like he had to say a few things that would make him seem more marketable but actually almost made us not choose him. When I think of the expense the families go to even just to get registered for these programs to know they have to just take what they get really is hard pill on both sides. It would suck to have gone to the expense and be stuck somewhere but it also is hard to be the one that is opening your home and know that deep down you are a disappointment could be hurtful.I honestly did feel after watching the video hurt by some of the things afraid that that is how our student would feel when he got here and he was only putting on a happy face cause at least he didn't not get picked. It is a lot better now and the ego is a bit less bruised now that after almost 2 weeks it is almost like my son was cloned and then stretched and bleached out a bit lol Things that I worried about being uncomfortable are not even a thought now. I hardly remember what just saying 'my son' instead of 'the boys' when discussing the progeny giving me gray hairs... Feeling better but still a bit not sure on if I'll do it again since it almost is too perfect this time how could I get this lucky twice and how could I stand it if it was a huge disappointment for a kid I picked in the future.... will just have to wait till next year to see what I figure out The Boys will be gone so maybe I'll find a girl that is a Marine Biology geek that will not mind the island life..we'll see

[@StephanieLTravels]

Again, I'm sorry if my intentions came across wrong. But, if you watch more of my videos, I feel like I do make that apparent. Even in this video, what I was saying was not meant to say that small towns are something to be afraid of. But, as my experience and many other exchange students feel is that when you think of a country, you don't really think about anywhere other than the big cities. I'm really glad that you're exchange student and your family are getting along so well! Connections like that don't always happen, but I would say still give it a shot next year if you can!

[@intlentreprenr]

As an AFS volunteer, I've heard this request twice this year alone from students. There are AFS partner countries that have more urban placements. Portugal comes to mind. But before you assume that rural is bad and boring, let me say that it's not the isolation that you might think. I was an AFS (long time ago) to the Netherlands. It was a small town, but because of bikes & public transportation, I could literally get anywhere in the entire country in under 3 hours. Smaller town made it easier to get to know people.

[@alex25377]

Who is going to Ecuador 2015-16?

[@Johmalen]

Ég!

[@elizabethphuong7229]

Hi! I don't know if you will reply to this or not, since you're busy with school (I think), but do you know any program that will guarantee that they will let you go with your first choice? Since I only want to go to The Netherlands. . . The money doesn't really matters. And thank you very much for making videos about exchanging. You've help me and others people a lot! You're amazing and beautiful :3

[@StephanieLTravels]

I'm actually not sure, actually, but I haven't so far heard of anyone from AFS not getting their first choice, of course I'm sure it's happened, but it's so rare that I really don't think you'd have a problem since it's not a super popular country for exchange students. The only other thing I can suggest is just googling it, unfortunately :/ I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. And, of course, I'm glad to be able to help people when it comes to something I'm so passionate about. And, thank you so much

[@elizabethphuong7229]

Wondering Child You've helped me a lot! I'll be sure to google it. Thank you

[@StephanieLTravels]

No problem :) Glad to help!

[@intlentreprenr]

The Netherlands is where I went on my AFS exchange. I met at least one Rotary student there too. It's a great country choice! Great people, great culture, lots of independence and openness to ideas. It's a great country choice for anyone LBGT too. The food isn't the most exciting, but there are a couple of Dutch treats that made it impossible not to gain weight. A note on stereotypes - there aren't as much drug use as people might think. I never smelled or saw any drugs in the area I lived. I did finally break down though to buy those cute wooden shoes!

[@elizabethphuong7229]

Becky DeStigter Thank you so much, may I have your Skype for you a few questions please? And I'm afraid when I ask my parents about it, they would want to talk to someone who studied there before so it would help a lot

[@anjansarkar9254]

If would come to India you can see a single state only. but a single state in India is bigger that european countries. And most Indian states have mega cities.

[@Rachel-vh4ee]

I really want to study in spain but I just don't know how to do it... Also I don't have the courage to speak to my parents about this.... (btw I'm from israel)

[@annefleur_vs]

Just do it , I thought de same as you and when I said it they said yes and normally I'm going in 2021 🙃😊

[@sigrunh.2282]

This is an interesting video. I didn't know about the AFS points thing before this, or the fact that Rotary is unlikely to place you in your first choice country (which sucks because I want to go to Liechtenstein on a year program and it appeared that only Rotary offered that, so...) Thanks :^) And California sucks - we don't have anything much either except Six Flags n stuff :c some places like the San Bernardino mountains, some beaches (and maybe the Northern part, haven't ever been there, so I don't know) are really pretty, though. But the city is terrible, the east coast was/is probably a nicer place. i hope your friend (and you of course) enjoyed your exchanges :'

[@intlentreprenr]

Actually, each AFS partner country runs things differently. In AFS Italy, they are currently running at 1 out of 7 students who apply get into the program. For AFS USA it's not currently very competitive. There are no points systems for Americans.

[@blootarget2798]

Que grosero. Y que comentarios tan mediocres....

[@StephanieLTravels]

Dani De Leo, yeah! of course! Just go message me on facebook under Stephanie Lytle

[@danideleo1492]

Wondering Child there is a lot of people on Facebook with your same name.:( How do I find which one is you?

[@StephanieLTravels]

Ummmm.... Try this: facebook.com/stephanie.lytle23 :) hopefully that works

[@erniedelfin2381]

Learn something about Rotary vs. AFS Exchange Student programs..

[@danielepala1132]

holy shit 30.000€????? I'm italian btw

[@chloebaldwin8197]

13,000

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Yes, 30.000 people use periods not commas in most of the world. :) Saying nicely.

[@CooEle]

AFS rulez

[@StephanieLTravels]

Maria Costanza Benvenuti All hail

[@claudiovener5113]

cheapest and best one

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Rotary

[@macrofactor5428]

hiç bisey anlamadim

[@nazzy101]

o zaman izleme

[@alex-ee9mh]

Hi, I speak french, and I don't understand this video, In the end, what is the best NGO?

[@nathaliadavila9705]

Jessy H afs

[@alex-ee9mh]

nathalia davila Ok thank you^^

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Rotary. Rotary has the highest safety standards. However, I know two South Americans who went through AFS and also had a wonderful time. One was from Ecuador and went to Finland. The other was my Brazilian friend's little brother who went to Canada, and then stayed with my parents and I for a month in Buffalo, NY. My Brazilian friend and I met through Rotary in Finland, and I went down to Sao Paulo to visit her and she came up to NY and Toronto to see me.

[@sigrunh.2282]

This is an interesting video. I didn't know about the AFS points thing before this, or the fact that Rotary is unlikely to place you in your first choice country (which sucks because I want to go to Liechtenstein on a year program and it appeared that only Rotary offered that, so...) Thanks :^) And California sucks - we don't have anything much either except Six Flags n stuff :c some places like the San Bernardino mountains, some beaches (and maybe the Northern part, haven't ever been there, so I don't know) are really pretty, though. But the city is terrible, the east coast was/is probably a nicer place. i hope your friend (and you of course) enjoyed your exchanges :'

[@StephanieLTravels]

Glad I could help, just remember that that was just my experience because of the state I was in and the country I went to, so obviously everyone is different - although, I think it may be because exchange programs have been growing in popularity steadily for the last 10 years or so, so maybe it is everyone and I'm not aware. Really? I'm always under the impression that California and New York are the two most exciting places to live in America, maybe it's because being used to something makes it boring, because I always view the East coast as being a better/more exciting place to live.

[@rootedtogrowwny]

Rotary sometimes places you in your first host country especially if you speak the language, but I seriously doubt most Rotary's offer Liechtenstein as an option. If you are gung ho on only one country Rotary isn't for you.

[@rootedtogrowwny]

because it is lol.