Interested in learning more about other cultures during an immersive experience?

The Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary International program that sends students aged 15–19 to live and study in another country, fostering cultural understanding, language skills, and global citizenship. The program is designed to build peace one young person at a time by immersing students in new cultures, helping them learn a new language, and encouraging them to become global citizens. It aligns with Rotary’s mission to promote goodwill, service, and understanding worldwide. RYE Houston provides equal opportunities for all students on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Students interested in the program – as well as potential host families – are encouraged to apply by the November 11 deadline.

RYE Houston D5890 offers long-term exchanges (one academic year) to students in the Greater Houston Area. This program gives students the opportunity to spend one year of high school abroad, staying with two host families and immersing themselves in a new culture.

· Full academic school year

· Hosted by two to three families

· Supported by host Rotary Club, counselor, and committee

· Limited in number of students

· The local district is looking for approximately 20 students from the greater Houston area


RYE Houston D5890 now offers a Short Term program. Experience a life-changing summer, discover a new country, and develop new friendships.

· One on one exchange during the summer with another student in Northern hemisphere

· No school attendance

· Hosted by exchange students’ families

· Normally 3 to 4 weeks in each country

· Not limited on number of students who participate


RYE is also actively seeking host families to open their homes and hearts to incoming exchange students. Hosting offers an incredible opportunity to bring international culture into your home and to build lifelong global connections, according to Gabriela Villalobos de Wenderdel, Youth Exchange Officer, Rotary Club of Katy.

Interested students, parents, and potential host families are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming information sessions scheduled for October 6 and October 20 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Registration and applications: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfT5QaszgoMvKjKDENL8qW9P3e9rTmQFuhZYVDEO2GyodCSBA/viewform.

Key application deadlines:

· November 11: Preliminary application due

· December 1: Club interviews due

· December 12–13: District interviews

For more information, contact Gabriela Villalobos de Wenderdel, Youth Exchange Officer, Rotary Club of Katy, at 346 691 1866 or gabrieladewenderdel@gmail.com, or go to www.ryehouston.com.