Rules and Conditions of Exchange
1) You must obey the laws of the host country. If found guilty of
violating any law, you can expect no assistance from your sponsors or
native country. You must return home at your own expense as soon as
released by authorities.
2) You are not allowed to possess or use illegal drugs. Medicine
prescribed to you by a physician is allowed.
3) The illegal drinking of alcoholic beverages is expressly forbidden.
Students who are of legal age should refrain. If your host family
offers you an alcoholic drink, it is permissible to accept it under their
supervision in the home.
4) You may not operate a motorized vehicle or participate in driver
education programs.
5) You will be under the host district’s authority while you are an
exchange student and must abide by the rules and conditions of
exchange provided by the host district. Parents or legal guardians
must not authorize any extra activities directly to you. Any relatives
you may have in the host country will have no authority over you
while you are in the program.
6) You must attend school regularly and make an honest attempt to
succeed.
7) You must have travel insurance that provides medical and dental
coverage for accidental injury and illness, death benefits (including
repatriation of remains), disability / dismemberment benefits,
emergency medical evacuation, emergency visitation expenses, 24-
hour emergency assistance services, and legal services, in amounts
satisfactory to the host Rotary club or district in consultation with the
sponsor Rotary club or district, with coverage from the time of your
departure from your home country until your return.
8) You should have sufficient financial support to assure your well-being
during your exchange. Your host district may require a contingency
fund for emergency situations. Unused funds will be returned to your
parents or legal guardians at the end of your exchange.
9) You must follow the travel rules of your host district. Travel is
permitted with host parents or for Rotary club or district functions
authorized by the host Rotary club or district with proper adult
chaperones. The host district and club, host family, and your parents or
legal guardians must approve any other travel in writing, thus
exempting Rotary of responsibility and liability.
10) You must return home directly by a route mutually agreeable to your
host district and your parents or legal guardians.
11) Any costs related to an early return home or any other unusual costs
(language tutoring, tours, etc.) are the responsibility of you and your
parents or legal guardians.
12) You should communicate with your first host family prior to leaving
your home country. The family’s information must be provided to you
by your host club or district prior to your departure.
13) Visits by your parents or legal guardians, siblings, or friends while you
are on exchange are strongly discouraged. Such visits may only take
place with the host club’s and district’s consent and within their
guidelines. Typically, visits may be arranged only in the last quarter of
the exchange or during school breaks and are not allowed during major
holidays.
14) Talk with your host club counselor, host parents, or other trusted adult
if you encounter any form of abuse or harassment.