Short-Term Program Information

• Short Term Application - Select SHORT-TERM HOMESTAY when you apply. Deadline March 1, 2025
• Email STEP Inquiries for more information

Rotary's Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) presents opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and world understanding by allowing them to briefly live in a different country. The STEP program is a family-to-family multi-week (normally summer) exchange program. Typically, the Colorado student will first travel to the foreign student’s home and spend 3-5 weeks there, followed by the foreign student coming to the Colorado home for 3-5 weeks. While Rotary facilitates the match, most of the logistics, including travel dates and flight arrangements, are handled by the families. The Colorado family must agree to host the foreign student, or identify a suitable host family. Host families must complete the application, all adults must clear a background check and complete training requirements.

Participating in STEP does not diminish the chances for the student to participate in a long-term exchange. In fact, the successful completion of a STEP experience is viewed positively in the long-term exchange interview process. Freshmen are strongly encouraged to participate in a STEP experience in the summer between their freshman and sophomore years rather than attempting a long-term exchange as a sophomore. Graduating seniors may wish to complete a STEP program between high school and future plans. 

STEP guidelines for Students:
• Ages 15-19
• Reside in Rotary District 5470
• Are of good character who desire to experience life abroad and host in return  
• Who are adaptable, mature and want to experience life in other countries and cultures
• Children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians are equally eligible
• Exchanges may be arranged with any of the countries with which District 5470 participates in long-term exchange programs; however, due to reversed school calendars, there may be limited options available for students wishing to travel to the southern hemisphere.

STEP guidelines for Parents:
• Must apply and be approved as host family
• Complete assigned online Youth Protection traning

STEP expenses:

  • $500 program/insurance fee
  • Flight (purchased yourself)
  • Spending money
  • Required Virtual Orientation for Student and Parents
  • Optional Trip to join Long-Term RYE student orientation late April/early May, 2025 (location TBD)  
  • All expenses related to hosting the foreign student