YEP-D19A

1. What is the Lions Youth Exchange Program?

It is a cultural exchange of young people from Washington, Northern Idaho and British Columbia, to other countries of the World. It is an opportunity to be ambassadors of your community and your country, showing the best of our youth and our future. Since it is not a student exchange, you do not have to be a student to apply, as long as you are of the proper age.

2. Is it only for the family of Lions members?
No. It is for any responsible boy or girl of the proper age. A Lions Club must sponsor the application.

3. How do I contact a Lions Club?
If your local Lions club is not listed in the telephone directory or available through the Chamber of Commerce, please see the Contact page. The Lions will assist you in the completion of an application.

4. What else must I do besides send in my application?

You must have your own passport, health insurance and immunization record. You must have your own spending money and a navy blue blazer, and gray slacks or skirt. The blazer marks the Y.E.P. traveler so that airport greeters, host families and airlines can identify them quickly. A Y.E.P. patch is provided to be sewn on the jacket before departure.

5. How much does the Youth Exchange Program cost?
That will depend on where you choose to visit. Contact your local Lions Club or the committee as in FAQ 3 above.

6. Are there any other fees?

This is a travel package. The price quoted includes air fare, trip cancellation insurance, name badge, YEP badge, pins and banners for presentation to host families or host clubs. Other minor costs not included may be departure fees from foreign airports, airport improvement fees and your out of country medical insurance. The cost of internal flights to host families is included, except for Europe. We do reserve the right to make minor adjustments due to changes by airlines.

7. I have seen other programs much more costly. Why is the Y.E.P. travel so reasonable?
Because every host family is volunteering their hospitality, as well as all Lions who plan and administer the program.

8. What country should I visit?

Choose one in which you have an interest. It may be one where you have friends or relatives. It may be a country that speaks a language you have been studying, or it may be a country you have always wanted to learn more about. If your country of choice is not included with our list of regular exchanges in the program description, we may be able to arrange an exchange if sufficient lead time is allowed.

9. Where will I stay?

Your exchange visit will last from four to six weeks. Customs and policies vary from country to country. In some European countries, you may attend a youth camp for a week and stay with one or two host families, as well. In other countries, you may have as many as four host families, or as few as one.airlines.

10. When do I travel?
During the summer. Usually the second week of July through the third or fourth week of August.

11. When do I have to apply?
The application must be in our hands as follows:

For travel to European countries - by February 1st.
For travel to Japan, Australia or New Zealand - April 15th.
Please allow at least two weeks lead time for handling by the Lions Club.