How can I be a host family?
Subpages
Related Pages
Links
Files
Photo Albums
 

Host families

Being a Host Family is the next best thing to going on exchange yourself! Host families are the backbone of the Youth Exchange Program- without them, there is no program! 

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 hosting period is about 10-12 weeks.

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 fill out the writable PDF application. Then print, sign and add a photo of your family & pets if you have them to the front page. Submit this application to the Youth Exchange Officier (YEO) in the closest Rotary Club to where you live, that is involved in the Youth Exchange program. 

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.
  • Next contact your local area rep or the Chair of Youth Exchange who will send you more information. If hosting is a good fit for your family and the district agrees then a formal interview is scheduled and a home inspection will be conducted. 
  • Please note anyone living in the house 18 or older must have a valid Police check.