Experience another culture without leaving home
Hosting an exchange student is one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have. You'll gain a new family member, learn about another culture, and make a lasting impact on a young person's life.
"Hosting was the best decision our family ever made. We didn't just gain a student - we gained a daughter and lifelong connections to Brazil." — The Johnson Family, Wichita
Students bring their own spending money for personal expenses.
Each inbound student typically lives with 2-3 host families during their exchange year. This gives more families the opportunity to host and provides students with varied experiences.
If there are only 2 host families, the typical split is August–December for the first family and January–June for the second.
You can choose to host for one term or more. Flexibility is available!
No, hosting is a volunteer experience. However, all the enrichment you receive is priceless! Students bring their own spending money and cover their personal expenses.
Rotary has a support system in place. Each student has a Rotarian counselor, and if needed, students can be moved to a new host family. This is rare but we're prepared.
No! Students are expected to learn English. In fact, speaking English at home helps them learn faster.
Exchange students come with a very comprehensive health insurance plan, so you don't need to worry about covering medical costs.
Rotary and the student's counselor help with school enrollment. Rotary pays school enrollment fees. Students attend the local high school in your area.
Kind of. Typically you first request a boy or a girl and then Rotary helps with matching the inbound student applications with the families.
Each student has an assigned Rotary counselor who serves as the first point of contact. The district committee is always available for support, and we hold regular orientation events. Rotary also gives each student a monthly stipend that helps pay for things like their phone and spending money.
Express interest by filling out the short form below.
Fill out the host family application and undergo a home visit.
All adult household members complete background checks.
A representative from the organization will make a brief home visit to verify the application and answer any questions you might have.
Attend a host family orientation session.
We'll match you with a student and share their information.
Pick up your new family member and start the adventure!
Fill out the form below and we'll send you everything you need to get started. Not sure which district you're in? Check District 5710 clubs or District 5680 clubs to find out.