Thirty-nine high school students gathered at Bellevue City Hall on Saturday, Dec. 13 to begin what for some will be either a summer of year-long foreign exchange experience.

The students, from high schools in King and south Snohomish counties, met with representatives of area Rotary Clubs which will sponsor the students.

The short term, or summer, exchanges occur primarily in the northern hemisphere, while the year long exchanges can be nearly anywhere in the world.

Five of the clubs sponsored a total of 10 year-long exchange students. The 29 students who interviewed for the summer program were sponsored by 13 area clubs.

Short-term summer exchanges are reciprocal and average 3-4 weeks in each country. They take place when school is not in session and involve a stay with a host family. During the year-long program students will stay with several host families and attend school full time.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace on earth.