IYWT is committed to partnering with Rotary Youth Exchange Programs both in North America and internationally, ensuring the convenience of Rotary volunteers and the safety of students!

Orientation and presentations

We understand that navigating the process of obtaining legal entry into a host country and the complexities of international travel can raise many questions. To ensure everyone feels informed and comfortable, an IYWT team member will meet with students, families, and Rotarians. Our goal is to answer questions, address concerns, and make the travel process as smooth as possible.

As one district chair shared after an IYWT presentation: "I appreciate the willingness of IYWT to provide an agent to personally speak with our Outbound students and their parents at Outbound Training regardless of the number of students we send outbound each year." 

We offer personalized orientation calls to better understand how IYWT will support students throughout the exchange.

The best part? The IYWT coach is there for every student every step of the way. Upon country assignment, we connect with each student — either in groups or individually — to introduce ourselves, learn more about them, and give them a preview of how we’ll be there to support them throughout their entire exchange journey.

Coaching the legal entry process

Our team conducts thorough research to determine the specific requirements each student needs to enter their Host Country for Rotary Youth Exchange.

We wish the process were the same for every student, or even consistent from year to year, but unfortunately, it’s not!

Throughout the year, we continuously monitor travel bulletins, maintain communication with consulates, and stay updated on Host Rotary District requirements. Every new requirement we find is posted in our online system and shared with students, their families, and Rotary volunteers. Since each exchange can vary depending on the country and the student, no two experiences are the same.

At IYWT, our services are tailored to each student and their unique exchange. We provide clear instructions for every document, double-check all submissions, guide families through questions or challenges, assist with complicated applications, and assemble all necessary packets. Whenever possible, we accompany students to consulate interviews. Plus, we remind students throughout the year about what they need to do to stay in or leave their Host Country at the end of their exchange.

Air travel

International air travel can be complex and costly, and when you factor in the unique requirements of Rotary Youth Exchange, it can become overwhelming. To help keep costs down, IYWT leverages special contracts and our extensive experience, along with insights from previous students, to choose the best routes and connections. We also include "one free change" in our pricing, ensuring that cost isn't an obstacle if a student needs to travel home quickly.

For outbound travel, when possible, we arrange for students to travel in pairs or small groups on overseas flights. This not only allows them to support each other but also provides an added layer of safety throughout their journey.

safety

The IYWT team brings over 125 years of combined experience in international travel, the airline industry, youth exchange, Rotary, and even the Peace Corps. We have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of globetrotting, and we stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving nature of travel. Above all, we prioritize student safety and are always ready to offer our expert advice to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

online Portal — The World

We streamline the process with exclusive online tools developed by IYWT over the past 30 years. Our online portal — The World — offers a personalized, one-stop website for each student. It clearly outlines what needs to be done, how to do it, and when to complete each task. The system tracks progress and presents it in an easy-to-understand, color-coded format that can be reviewed by both family members and Rotary volunteers.

When students upload their documents, the system securely stores them, allowing easy access to copies throughout the exchange. When a copy will do the job, there's no more paying an extra shipping charge to get a document from back home!

communication

The World includes the exclusive Message Board, personalized for each student. It serves as a central hub for all communication between the student, their family, their Rotary Youth Exchange program, and the IYWT team of coaches. The Message Board not only facilitates ongoing interaction but also acts as a valuable reference point throughout the student's exchange.

How Billing Works

IYWT offers two billing options: one directly to Rotary Youth Exchange programs and another directly to families.

Regardless of the billing method, IYWT services are offered as a comprehensive package that includes orientation, coaching, travel document assistance, access to our exclusive online tracking system, Rotary access to student records, travel advice, airline booking, adherence to Rotary program rules, and a 24/7 hotline. Throughout the entire exchange, we are dedicated to supporting students every step of the way.

Once we know a student’s destination, we’ll provide an estimated cost. This estimate is always set higher to avoid unexpected costs down the line, helping both Rotary and families budget for our services from the outset.

We also encourage Rotary districts to consider adopting a "one fee" model for their programs. Many of our districts have all students pay the same fee for their exchange. Feel free to ask us how our services can be best integrated with that approach.