Rotary Youth Exchange by the Numbers — More Than 50 Years of Changing Lives
When Rotarian Mark asked returning Youth Exchange student Claire Dunbar for a few little-known facts he could use to introduce her, she wasn't interested in playing along.
Undeterred, Mark devised another approach.
Instead of sharing little-known facts about Claire, he would share some surprising numbers about Rotary Youth Exchange.
What followed was a fascinating journey through nearly a century of international exchanges — including more than 50 years of participation by the Rotary Club of St. Marys.
It All Began in 1927
1927 — The first Rotary Youth Exchanges took place between Denmark and the United States. It was a particularly appropriate starting point for the evening, since Claire had just returned from her exchange year in Denmark.
1972 — The year the Rotary Club of St. Marys and District 6330 began participating in Youth Exchange.
1975 — Rotary International formally recognized Youth Exchange as an official program, three years after St. Marys had already become involved.
More than half a century later, the Club continues to welcome students from around the world while providing local young people with opportunities to experience life in other countries.
The St. Marys Connection
Some of the most impressive numbers belong to our own community.
56 inbound students — Since 1972, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has welcomed 56 students from other countries. Our current inbound student, Lieanne Bambo from the Philippines, is number 56.
80 outbound students — Over the same period, the Club has sponsored 80 young people from our community to spend a year abroad.
79 — Claire Dunbar, who recently returned from Denmark, was the Club's 79th outbound exchange student.
80 — Charlotte Hodges is the Club's 80th outbound student.
Behind each of these numbers is a young person who has experienced a different culture, developed new friendships and returned home with a broader understanding of the world.
And behind each student are Rotary volunteers and host families who make those experiences possible.
A Worldwide Program
Mark also shared some figures illustrating the international reach of Rotary Youth Exchange.
7,290 exchanges — The number of student exchanges worldwide during the 2024–25 Rotary year.
96% — The proportion of exchanges reported as successfully completed.
84% — The proportion of program participants who have no family connection to Rotary.
That last figure is particularly interesting. Youth Exchange introduces thousands of young people and their families to Rotary, many for the very first time.
The program is not simply a benefit for Rotary families. It is an opportunity available to young people throughout the community.
Mark also highlighted the recognition District 6330 has received for the quality of its Youth Exchange program, including a Bronze Achievement Award from the North American Youth Exchange Network.
More Than Numbers
Perhaps the most important part of Mark's presentation was what the numbers could not fully capture.
They cannot measure the friendships that last long after an exchange ends.
They cannot describe the confidence a young person gains by navigating a different language, school system and culture.
And they cannot fully express the impact on host families who welcome a student into their homes or on parents who watch their children return with greater independence and maturity.
Claire's presentation that evening brought those numbers to life. Her experiences in Denmark illustrated exactly why Rotary has continued to support Youth Exchange for so many decades.
The Club's current inbound student, Lieanne Bambo, is now beginning her own Canadian adventure, adding another chapter to the St. Marys Youth Exchange story.
Since 1972, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has helped 136 young people participate in international Youth Exchange — 56 welcomed into our community and 80 sent out into the world.
That's an extraordinary legacy for a small-town Rotary club.
And the numbers are still growing.
Rotary Youth Exchange offers young people opportunities to discover new cultures, develop leadership skills and build international friendships. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of St. Marys.