Become a Host Family
You do not need to be a Rotarian or have a sibling participating in the program to be considered as a suitable host family.
There is no typical family structure required. An acceptable family might have small children, older children or no children living at home. All that is expected is a that a caring and friendly family and home atmosphere is provided.
Exchange students are typically between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, and will be attending a secondary school in the area of the host club. Host families voluntarily open their homes to these students for periods of approximately three to four months. This time provides an opportunity for everyone to develop a lifetime of friendships, to learn a different culture and to gain many other rewarding experiences.
Why Rotary?
Rotary has a well-earned reputation and is recognised second to none as an excellent student exchange program. Because of its international, layered structure, Rotary provides a well-managed infrastructure which supports the student, the host family and everyone else involved in the exchange.
The shorter hosting period gives more opportunities to share the experience. With the support of a counsellor appointed by the local Rotary club everyone is involved in this.
How to apply
To register your family’s interest please fill out the Host Family application form. This will then be forwarded to the Rotary youth exchange administrator nearest to your home address who will then contact you directly with further information.
All host families and participants in the program are interviewed first and are then subject to the relevant state legislative requirements for persons working or volunteering with children.
There is no commitment on either yourself, or by Rotary for you to host a student. Your interest will simply be recorded and you will be contacted if an opportunity becomes available. There will be certain mandatory requirements regarding personal checks and a personal interview process to further discuss all aspects of the program before any further commitment is sought.
