Would you like to host an exchange student?
Hosting an inbound exchange student is a life changing event for you, your family and the exchange student. As a host for an exchange student, your family will take on the roles as mom, dad, sister or brother. As host parents for a Rotary exchange student, you will assume parental responsibility for this young ambassador from another country. You will provide shelter and sustenance, guidance and counsel, and love and support to the child of strangers who live thousands of miles from you — but they won’t remain strangers for very long!.
Rotary Clubs are always looking for potential host families. If you’d like to enrich your family’s experience by bringing in a Rotary exchange student, contact your local Rotary Club, or go to this link (Host Family Application) to get started. Thank you for opening your home and your lives to this experience!
Questions about hosting —
How long does an Inbound student stay with a host family?
Ideally, a long-term Inbound student will have three host families, staying with each for 3-4 months during the year. This allows the student to experience the USA’s culture from three different families.
What country will my student come from?
It varies over the years, as our District hosts 20-25 students each year from among 40 different nations. Your local Rotary Club will host one or more students, so check with them for more details.
What is expected of me and my family?
At a minimum:
- Provide a safe and loving environment for the student
- Provide three healthy meals a day
- Provide transportation to and from school and school activities
- Treat the student as you would your own children — not as a guest in your home.
How much do we get paid for hosting a student?
In monetary terms, nothing. In satisfaction, a lot!
Hosting is completely voluntary, and Rotary does not provide any compensation for host families. Actually, it’s also against the regulations established by the U.S. Dept. of State to pay you to host. The IRS does authorize a $50 per month charitable contribution tax deduction on your itemized tax return. Check with your tax professional for details.