Youth Exchange

What is expected of a host family?

Hosting a student can be an extremely rewarding experience for everyone in the family, yet it is a role that requires a lot of responsibility. Host families are to meet the following expectations:

Before the student arrives

Participate in training and orientation sessions offered by the club or district.
Establish communication with the student.
Understand the program rules that the student must follow.
Know how to contact key Rotarians involved in Youth Exchange and community services in case of an emergency.

During the exchange

Provide a safe and welcoming environment for trust and friendship to develop between the student and your family.
Support and make the student feel like a part of the family, with the same privileges and obligations.
Gently encourage the student to learn and adopt most of the ways of your household.
Provide room and board for the student. All students must have their own bed. If the student must share a room, it should be with a child of the same gender and similar age.
Provide a place in the home where the student may study in private.
Recognize the student’s birthday and other special occasions.
Ensure the student knows how to contact family members, friends, and other support networks.
In case of an emergency, know how to access and use the student’s travel insurance policy.
Voice any concerns and questions regarding the student to the Rotarian host counselor, including serious homesickness, difficulty adapting to family life or school, or illness.
Maintain close contact with the host club, and address problems and concerns quickly.
Exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student’s well being.
Encourage involvement in community life by introducing the student to neighbors, friends, and local groups.
Teach the student about the local culture, and learn about the student’s culture.
Advise the student about matters related to school, family, community functions, and friendship.

How long will the student be living with my family?

Most long-term exchange students live with two or three host families during their exchange. This means the student may live with you for anywhere between three and six months. It is also not uncommon for an exchange student to stay with a family for the whole year.

How do I apply to be a host family

Generally, host parents must complete a written application, which includes program rules and requirements, a signed compliance statement, and authorization for reference checks. Because the program is decentralized, however, the application process varies from district to district. Contact local Rotarians for details.