WESSEX

Western States Student Exchange, Inc. (WESSEX) is an association of Rotary Youth Exchange programs spanning parts of Western Canada and the United States

What is Rotary?

Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders, united worldwide, dedicated to humanitarian service & ethical standards in business. Rotarians promote world understanding & peace through programs like Youth Exchange. With more than 35,000 clubs, in more than 159 countries, Rotary has an extensive network of volunteers who are community leaders.

 

What is Rotary Youth Exchange?

Each year, about 9,000 students from more than 80 countries enrich their lives. They have the opportunity to see the world the way it is best seen--from the inside out--through Rotary Youth Exchange. Who can participate? The youth exchange program is open to qualified young men & women between the ages of 15 & 19. The sons & daughters of Non-Rotarians & Rotarians are eligible. Applicants are to be approved by a local Rotary club on the basis of a written application & personal interview.

 

What is WESSEX?

Western States Student Exchange, Inc., or WESSEX, is a non-commercial organization originally formed by seven Rotary International Districts (5130, 5150, 5160, 5170, 5180, 5220, and 5230), who pooled their resources to provide you effective & efficient services. WESSEX’s scope of responsibility has expanded to 17 districts.

 

Our programs cover all of Oregon and Alaska, and portions of Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho and Colorado in the USA and portions of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory in Canada. Across all programs, our members arrange approximately 250 inbound and outbound exchanges, for a total of 500 students each year. They are supported by more than 1,400 vetted volunteers. We have an established network of trusted Rotarians involved in Youth Exchange throughout the world helping to ensure a successful and safe exchange.

 

The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) has found Western States Student Exchange, Inc. (WESSEX) to have fulfilled all the requirements and has granted the organization with a Full J-1 Inbound Certification

WESSEX member districts are individually certified by Rotary International to operate their exchange programs

WESSEX member districts are also members of the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN), where training and best practices are shared to improve quality of experiences for students and volunteers

Additional information

Optional Tours for Students

Optional tours are available to our visiting students. To learn more, ask your hosting district, or send us an email.

Neighboring Rotary Multidistricts

  • SCANEX includes Rotary districts in Southern California, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona and Utah Rotary Youth Exchange

  • SCRYE includes includes Rotary districts spanning much of the central United States and Canada.
  • Central States RYE includes Rotary districts in Central and  Northern states and parts of Canada.