The Rotary SCANEX USA Summer Train Tour for high school exchange students was started in 1997 to provide a travel and cultural experience at the end of their academic year beyond their Rotary host club and district. The train tour was cancelled for 9/11 and three covid years which makes 2026 the 26th train tour.

Currently the tour is 28 days with 10 train stops that starts in Los Angeles and ends in Washington DC where students are flown back to their host districts.  There are two host family stays, four overnights in the roomy train coach seats, Hostelling International in six cities, a lodge, and two hotels.  Using Amtrak instead of chartering a bus and using public transport in our cities sets our tour apart from other Rotary district and commercially managed exchange student tours.

The tour is primarily funded by the parents of the students, but some work with their host Rotary Clubs and districts to fund raise.  In 2026 the tour costs $4,150 which includes activities, transportation, lodging, rolling duffle, two t-shirts, at least one meal a day,  and chaperone and tour director costs.

More information on the 2026 tour now available to all Rotary Exchange students from outside the SCANEX multi-district The 2026 Train Tour.