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Becoming a Host Family
OPENING YOUR HEART AND HOME
Have you ever dreamed of exploring another culture? Language? Customs? By hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange Student for 3 to 4 months you can expose your family to another culture without ever having to leave home!
Without the willingness and sincerity of families who have opened their hearts and homes to students they have never met, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program would not exist. In an ever-changing world, it is important that we expose our children, our students and ourselves to areas and people unlike us—it’s how we open our eyes to a global community that shares the same hopes and dreams that we do.
In the landscape of today, adults and children alike must learn about others and reaffirm their faith that people from all over the world are good. What better way to do that than becoming a host family?
Becoming a Host Family
A variety of family structures are perfect for being host families—small, big, with many children, or no children. Working families - retired families - We aim to reflect real-world families to students, and we know that real families come in all shapes and sizes.
The Exchange is Truly Mutually Rewarding
Similarities of cultures should be celebrated and differences should be embraced because there is so much to learn from one another. Each side can act as teachers, leaders, and ambassadors of their cultural background by answering questions, teaching each other, and opening minds to new thoughts and experiences. No matter our age, we are all students of culture and life, which is why becoming a host family is so rewarding.
Application Process
Host Families are required to go through a Host Family Application and Screening. This includes:
- completing an application and providing 3 references
- completing a Police Background Check
- Interview and home visit by Rotarians Hosting the Inbound student
- orientations on expectations and responsibilities
Some misconceptions regarding Hosting:
"I work full time and can’t entertain the student"
As a host family, your job is not to entertain the student, your job is to open your home and treat them just as one of your own. Making sure they get to school, get a good night's sleep, and are safe and healthy!
"We don’t have any children in the home – we can’t host"
All families are welcome, students flourish in a loving home, no matter the family dynamics. A family does not need to have other teenagers or other children in the home to make it a rewarding experience.
"My child is going out on exchange this year and I would rather host when they return"
Opening your home to a student while your child is away is often a wonderful way to experience what your own child is going through on their exchange. It fills that empty spot in your heart while they are gone.
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(password protected) - login to District website - go to Organization/District Committees, follow the RYE link
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Contact RYE Committee by email: Click Here
CLUB MEMBERS: For Club Documents regarding Youth Exchange, login to District 5360 website - www.Rotary5360.ca, Organization/District Committees, password required
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