The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program — its 50th anniversary. At the Rotary International Convention in Calgary (June 21–25, 2025), which welcomed over 15,000 Rotarians from around the world, the anniversary was being celebrated with special events, alumni stories, recognitions, and global networking among RYE officers, returned exchange students, and even Rotary members who are considering launching the program in their districts.

During the RYE Pre-Convention held in Calgary (June 20–21, 2025), the Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report for 2023–24 was presented. According to the report:

• 25,000 volunteers supported the program’s operations this year — including 14,000 Rotarians (56%) and 11,000 non-Rotarians (44%)
• 4,755 Rotary clubs were actively involved
• More than 7,000 host families without Rotary affiliation (61%), and about 4,500 families with Rotary members (39%), participated
• Over 9,000 students took part in exchanges

These numbers highlight the impressive scale of the program and its strong community involvement, robust youth protection practices, high-quality training of host families, and continued student interest. Every year, RYE connects thousands of young people with new cultures and sends them into the world with a global perspective and lifelong friendships.

Why it matters:

• The network of volunteers, host families, and clubs forms the foundation for meaningful and impactful student exchanges.
• Families and clubs work hand-in-hand to foster cultural exchange and international understanding.

You can find the full Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report 2023–24 here:
Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report 2023–24 (PDF)

Reporting from the RI RYE Pre-Convention in Calgary,
IPDG Katarína Čechová
Rotary Club Bratislava International