Hosting a student with the Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most rewarding endeavors a family can pursue. Although it will present unique challenges, serving as a host offers the extraordinary opportunity to impact a young life as you expand your own world view.
When you host a RYE student, you won’t just be helping an international student thrive, you’ll gain a new member of your family.
Create a connection that defies borders.
Become a host for the Rotary Youth Exchange.
Who can serve as a host family?
The world is full of families of all shapes and sizes, and the Rotary Youth Exchange program reflects that. Our host families include: married couples, single adults, families with children, families without children, young families, and older families.
Family dynamics of all kinds – with a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds and lifestyles – have hosted with great success.
Although the program is hosted by Rotary International, and you will work closely with your local Rotary Club and the Rotary Club Counselor and Youth Exchange Officer during your student’s exchange, you are not required to be a Rotarian to participate.
The only real requirements are an open heart, an open mind, and the time, space, and energy to care for an exceptional young adult with a rich culture to share.
What is expected of a host family?
Before your student arrives:
- Participate in training and orientation sessions offered by your Rotary District.
- Establish communication with your incoming student and extend your excitement to welcome them into your home.
- Learn about the Rotary Youth Exchange, and understand the rules and requirements students are expected to follow.
During your student’s exchange:
- Provide a safe and welcoming environment for trust and friendship to grow.
- Support your RYE student and make them feel like a part of the family, with the same privileges and obligations.
- Designate a comfortable living space for your student with their own bed, and provide a quiet place in the home where they can focus on their studies.
- Celebrate special events, like your student’s birthday, graduation, and other important occasions.
- Note any concerns and questions that arise – including serious homesickness, difficulty adapting to family life, and academic red flags – and stay in diligent contact with your student’s Inbound Counselor.
- Take on a supervisory role and exercise parental responsibility to ensure your student’s safety and well-being.
- Support your student’s academic success, encourage them to participate in school-sponsored clubs and activities, and facilitate community involvement by introducing them to neighbors, friends, and local groups.
- Share each aspect of local culture with your student – taste area foods, enjoy community entertainment, visit local places of interest – and actively learn about their unique culture in return.