Living with Your Host Family

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Host Families are Volunteers

  • Rotary Youth Exchange is an entirely volunteer program. Families volunteer to host a Rotary exchange student – and must be approved by the Host Club. All are hosting because they want to. Families often make special arrangements to have you in their home. A host brother or sister may have temporarily given up their room or agreed to share their space. Clubs do not provide financial support to host families.

The Student is a Family Member

  • The student should expect to be treated as any other family member. Honor the household rules and make your best effort to adapt to their lifestyle and show respect. Be flexible and understanding. If you do not understand what is expected of you – don’t be afraid to ask. You are not a guest. For the moment this is your family.
  • The first few weeks may be difficult, depending on how different things are. You may be homesick. This is normal and we do expect our host parents to be as understanding as possible. But, most of the problems that arise in the youth exchange program are due to the student being unwilling to adapt to their new environment. It is important that you understand how to adapt.

The First Host Family Mom

  • The most important person in your exchange will probably be your first host mom.  Seek her advice and listen to what she has to say. What you learn from your first host family will be the foundation for your relationship with others. She is also the one that will be asked the most questions about you.

Multiple Host Families

  • Most host clubs will have two or three families planned for your stay. There are 3 reasons for this:
    1.     To give you an opportunity to experience several different family lifestyles
    2.     To give more than one family the opportunity to know you
    3.     To spread the cost of supporting you
  •  If you have developed a good bond, it is sometimes difficult to change host families. Every family is different, and one may be more ‘comfortable’ for you than others. Try not to make comparisons and take time to get to know your second and third families. 
  • Be respectful when you speak about your families to others. Gossip travels quickly and it is  easy to cause hurt feelings. Try to appreciate whatever your host families do for you.

Religion

  • Do not attempt to convert the host family to your religion. This is a student exchange, not a religious mission.
  • Learn all you can about the host family’s religion and be willing to accompany the family to their place of worship occasionally.
  • Additionally, host families should NOT attempt to convert you or require you to attend services on a regular basis. If they do, please let your Rotary Counselor know.

Politics

  • Do not engage in political activity. Learn about the form of government in the country, but do not criticize or compare, but learn.
  • For US students: Be able to explain the American form of government, but realize you do not need to defend American political activity.