Information about being a Host family
By hosting a Youth Exchange student in your home, you'll make a young person's dream come true, and you and your family will share an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.
- Any caring and responsible family with an interest in hosting a young person from another land can be a tremendous host family! The best host families are really just normal families and they don't fall into any one, easy-to-define category.
- Families do not need to be affiliated with Rotary to host Rotary Exchange Students.
- Families with small children make great host families because young children get the experience of having a big brother or sister and the exchange students often enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of practicing their language skills with a younger child.
- "Empty Nesters" or retired couples are good too because they can have more time to spend with their student than younger parents do and they often enjoy having a young person around the house.
- Families with high school age children are good because host brothers and sisters can quickly get the student involved in school and community activities.
- Rotary differs from many international exchange programs in that our students generally live with three or more families during their exchange year. This gives the student a more well-rounded experience in a culture, having experienced family life from at least three different perspectives. It is also less of a commitment for host families; the typical length of stay is about three to four months instead of a full year.
As a host family, you will
- Provide room and board
- Supervise the student just as you would your own children
- Involve the student in family activities and chores
- Enrich the exchange experience by including the student in family, community, and cultural activities
Host families aren't compensated financially. The program is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, which helps keep costs low.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered as a host family, please contact our club's Youth Exchange Officer.
More information:
- If you're interested in hosting a Youth Exchange student, read A Guide for Host Families (PDF), which details student and host family responsibilities, Rotary's role, and frequently asked questions.
- Read the information posted on this site.
- Please note anyone living in the house 18 or older must have a valid Police check.