Long Term Outbound Student Information

Get ready to begin a journey you’ll never forget!  You’re about to set off on a chapter in your life that will help you gain a stronger sense of who you are while meeting new friends and learning a new culture. District 7255 and ESSEX want your trip to be as successful as possible. 

You’ve been accepted, here’s what’s next: Congratulations! You are likely very excited about going abroad for the year as a Rotary Exchange student.  District 7255 along with your sponsoring Rotary club and all the volunteers involved with ESSEX are here to help serve as a resource while you’re here and away. 

Things to do after you’re accepted into the program: 

  1. Check your email regularly.  This will be the primary way you will receive communication. 

  2. Look for notifications from District 7255 guiding you every step of the way.  

Things to do after you receive notification of country assignment:

  1. Once you receive notification of your country assignment you can make travel arrangements with Tzell, the designated travel agency for ESSEX. Tzell offers a full-time staff of youth exchange specialists who will serve as a resource before you leave to the time you return home.  They provide:

  • Extended hours of operation during the summer months. 

  • Online, fillable documents for visa and/or residency permit forms. 

  • Information on electrical current and currency in your host country. 

  • Information on baggage allowances. 

    2. Register with Tzell and pay the registration fee here

    3. Work with Tzell to make travel arrangements once you receive your paperwork for your visa. 

    4. You are required to have healthcare insurance from District 7255’s and ESSEX’s designated insurance provider, CISI-Bolduc.  ESSEX will send you an email with a personalized link to complete the application. Learn more about long-term insurance here.

  • Begin to make financial arrangements for your trip as outlined below. 

Things to do three months before departing for your exchange:

  1. Once you receive the contact information for your host Rotary district, host Rotary club and host family correspond with them as soon as possible. 

  2. Obtain required immunizations.  You must show proper immunization as required by your host country. 

  3. Email your travel itinerary to your host district chair, host district Rotary club counselor, and host family once you have secured your airplane tickets. 

  4. Ask your host district if there is other paperwork or items needed to complete prior to arrival. 

  5. Begin to research your host country and where you’ll live.  Look at cultural norms, values and traditions, in addition to understanding  history and traditions. 

  6. Study or refresh yourself on the local language. 

  7. Attend the mandatory orientation offered from your home Rotary District 7255.

One month prior to departure:

  1. You will receive an email with a personalized link from ESSEX to submit your flight information.  Upon receipt, do this as soon as possible. 

  2. Start planning what you’ll bring with you on your trip. 

  3. Continue to research the country and study the local language. 

  4. Reach out to your host family and host Rotary club contact person to share your excitement about your upcoming experience and to reconfirm your itinerary. 

  5. Pack! Don’t forget your transportation tickets, visa, passport, and spending money. 

  6. Get ready to have the adventure of a lifetime. 

Financial Responsibilities:

  • Travel Expenses: $160-300 USD Travel agency fee, Visa, Passport translation fees. 

  • Transportation Expenses: $1,400-2,800 USD Roundtrip airfare, ground transportation. 

  • District 7255 Outbound Fees: $1300 USD Orientation expenses, Rotary Blazer, Business Cards, Pins. 

  • Extra Spending Money: $500-1,000 USD You will receive funds from your host Rotary club each month, ranging from $50-$125. However, we suggest you bring extra spending money with you to purchase treats, souvenirs and personal items. 

  • Emergency Funds: $300-500 USD This is a requirement of many Rotary districts. You will provide this to the district chairperson upon your arrival.  At the end of your time as an exchange student, if you have not incurred any unusual or unexpected expenses, your full “emergency fund” will be returned to you prior to your departure. 

Optional Travel Opportunities: $100-3,000 USD Approved by your host Rotary district, there may be tours or other optional trips available to you.