Become a RYE Host
Would you like to host an exchange student?
Hosting an inbound exchange student is a life-changing event for you, your kids, and the exchange student. As a host for an exchange student, you will take on the role 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. They are putting the care and wellbeing of their child in your hands. They have their own insurance and pocket money - you will offer room and board. We do not pay any stipend to host families.
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. And thanks so much for your interest!
Hosting Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an inbound student stay with a USA host family?
Ideally a long-term inbound student will stay with each host family for 3-4 months, staying with 3 families during his or her exchange. For example, hosting periods could be August - November, November - March, March - May.
A short-term exchange student stays for 3-5 weeks, usually in the summer.
How much do we get paid for hosting an inbound student in the USA?
Hosting is completely voluntary. Rotary does not compensate host families.
However, the IRS has authorized families to claim a $50 per month charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns. It is best to check with a tax professional for more detail.
We're ready to host an inbound student in the USA. How do I get started?
Great, the first step is to contact Rotary District 6110 Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound Coordinator (TO BE ANNOUNCED).
He or she will put you in touch with your local Rotary Club who will take it from there, as in our program, the Rotary Club is responsible for the student exchange—you are one of three families that the student will live with throughout the year.
If you already are in touch with your local Club, great. The Club will have you complete a Volunteer Application and provide two References. Once that is done and a background check is run, you will then be instructed to complete a Host Family Application. Once this is done, a local Rotarian will conduct an at-home interview and inspection. They will discuss the program with you and your family and take pictures of your home. Once this process is complete, you will be notified that you are officially a host family and will receive Host Family Orientation prior to the student moving into your home.
What countries do the inbound students to the USA come from?
It varies from year-to-year. Our district will host from 7-15 exchange students each year.
Over the years, we have hosted students from Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and others.
What would be expected of me and my family if we host an inbound student to the USA?
The health and safety of the students is our number one priority, so we ask all potential host families to abide by guidelines established by the U.S. Department of State, Rotary International, SCRYE and Council of Standards for International and Educational Travel (CSIET). Also important:
- Provide a safe, loving home for the exchange student
- Provide 3 healthy meals a day for the student
- Provide transportation to/from school and school activities
- Treat the exchange student as a member of your family (not as a guest).