We encourage parents to visit the country their student went to sometime AFTER the student has returned. Your student is going to want to return to the host country and share their culture with you. In many instances, it is the natural parents who wish to make a visit and not necessarily their student who wishes to receive them. Parents are advised to consider making a return trip a couple of years later with their student as tour guides with no Rotary program rules or stress. Parents, it is up to your student as to whether or not they want any visitors during their exchange year.
If your student would like you to visit them during the exchange we ask that you follow these guidelines:
- Such visits are not encouraged by Rotary.
- The best time to visit is usually during the US spring vacation, but you must abide by the hosting district’s parental visit policies.
- Any planned visit from home must be discussed with, and acceptable to, the affected host family, the host Rotary Club Counselor and both your host and sponsor District Youth Exchange Chairs; surprise visits are not acceptable.
- The visit should not last more than 7 – 10 days. Do not wear out your welcome.
- Family visits must not conclude with the student’s scheduled return home. Keep it separate.
- Family visits must not be planned for the Christmas Holiday period; no exceptions.
- Family visits should not be planned that will involve lengthy absences from school for the student, or that will impose a burden on host families.
- Remember that the student and host parents are your hosts, and you should defer to their wishes. You are their guest.
- Visits by friends or distant relatives that involve more than an incidental involvement by you are strongly discouraged. Permission for travel as part of such visits will be denied under most circumstances.Â
