Applications are now being accepted for the 2012-13 Rotary Youth Exchange program sponsored by the Mercer Island Rotary Club.

Mercer Island High School sophomores, ages 15-17 years old, are eligible to apply. Preliminary applications should be submitted no later than Friday, Dec. 16, 2011.

This is a year-long  exchange, when students live in their host country and attend high school.

Claudina Campbell of the Mercer Island Rotary Club chairs the Youth Exchange Program. She said, “Rotary has the premiere exchange program for students who want to increase their communication skills, gain confidence, meet new friends and experience a different culture.”

A Rotary student and his or her parents or guardians pay approximately $4,750, including program expenses and airfare. Room and board are provided by host families, and a modest monthly allowance is provided by the host Rotary Club.

Former exchange student Marcus Helm describes his exchange as, “It was the hardest and best year of my life.” He spent a year in Brazil and lived with three different families. He learned to speak Portuguese fluently, and made lifelong friends.

For more, email Claudina Campbell at claudinac@comcast.net or visit the Rotary International website: www.rotary.org/youthexchange.