Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the generosity of Rotary's Youth Exchange program. Administered by Rotary clubs, districts and multidistrict groups, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 10,000 students
each year.
The first documented exchanges date back to 1927, when the Rotary Club of Nice, France, initiated exchanges with European students. Exchanges between clubs in California, USA, and Latin American countries began in 1939, and exchange activities spread to the eastern United States in 1958. In 1972, the RI Board of Directors agreed to recommend Youth Exchange to clubs worldwide as a worthwhile international activity that promotes
global peace and understanding
As the oldest exchange program of its kind, Rotary Youth Exchange takes pride in choosing students who are academically above average, articulate, and demonstrate leadership in their communities. A majority of the candidates also possess qualities — like flexibility and a willingness to try new things — that will enable them to become excellent cultural ambassadors. Students are usually outgoing, charismatic, and have a strong sense of self and leadership. All traits that become fine tuned while living abroad for an entire year.
History of International Cultural Exchange Foundation
In July 2007, Kelly and Candice, Founders and Creators of ICEF, met and forged a relationship that was in keeping with Rotary and youth Exchange. Together they have brought back what Rotary taught them over 20 years ago, defined a need and with this foundation a means in which to fill it.
Kelly and Candice spent their exchange years in Brazil. Both speak Portuguese and Spanish fluently. Their experience in language, and other cultures, as well as living with other families at such young ages, has guided their success in their professional lives. Having been exchange students has also led them back into Rotary and the youth exchange program. They have also been able to participate in programs such as the Honduras Water Project as key translators, because of having been exchange Students.
“Success in life is measured by
what you give back to others,
every day attempting to deliver
more than the day before”
Candice McMurphy
“I can say beyond a shadow of
a doubt that I would not be the
person I am today had I not had
this opportunity that Rotary provided
20 years ago this month”
Kelly Williams
“As I sat in the audience and listened to Kelly who I had not yet met give her address to some 85 outbound students, I was moved with such emotion. She was telling my story, she was sharing those feelings that up until that very moment, I thought I might be alone in feeling. It was at that moment, at that connecting point that the idea, without my being aware, started to form. What moved me to talk to her, to share with her my stories, feelings, desires and dreams will remain a mystery. Until that moment, I had all but forgotten what it felt like to connect so strongly with someone, because it had been so many years since I had met another exchange student. I am still moved to tears at the thought of our first encounter. Not 24 hours later we formed the idea of ICEF, and in exactly one month from that day became incorporated through the state of Ohio.”
Candice McMurphy
Historia 
