Rotary

Comparison of AFS Programs to Rotary Programs

Rotary Program Comparison

Rotary programs usually require the applicant to change host families 2-3 times, i.e. the student is being hosted by the Rotary chapter, not the family. While this makes it easier for Rotary to find host families, it also means that the student is always somewhat of a "guest". For example, you would not want to call your current host mother "mom," as that would be awkward when you are with your second family and the first family is also in the room.
Rotary has four "D" no-no's - no drinking, no drugs, no driving, no dating. If you began to date someone you would be moved to another city.
Rotary requires you to attend local Rotary meetings - usually a group of older business men
Rotary costs less than AFS and they also give you a monthly allowance

Sometimes AFS may work closely with Rotary in a partnership. Here are some examples from AFS Online in 2000.

Angie Lunde in Joseph, Oregon is starting to work closely with Rotary. Rotary has 1 to 2 spots available for student scholarship (6 applicants already) and she will be given all the names of those who apply so that she might do follow-up with AFS materials to those that are not chosen.

Rotary information is available in the guidance office of Wood River High School in the Sun Valley area of Idaho. The guidance counselor is having potential Rotary applicants also visit Amy McGraw, a teacher and coordinator for the area, so that they take home AFS materials also.