Hosting a student can be an extremely rewarding experience for everyone in the family, yet it is a role that requires a lot of responsibility. Host families are to meet the following expectations:
Before the student arrives
- Participate in training and orientation sessions offered by the club or district.
- Establish communication with the student.
- Understand the program rules that the student must follow.
- Know how to contact key Rotarians involved inYouth Exchange and community services in case of an emergency.
During the exchange
- Provide a safe and welcoming environment for trust and friendship to develop between the student and your family.
- Support and make the student feel like a part of the family, with the same privileges and obligations.
- Gently encourage the student to learn and adopt most of the ways of your household.
- Provide room and board for the student. All students must have their own bed. If the student must share a room, it should be with a child of the same gender and similar age.
- Provide a place in the home where the student may study in private.
- Recognize the student’s birthday and other special occasions.
- Ensure the student knows how to contact family members, friends and other support networks.
- In case of an emergency, know how to access and use the student’s travel insurance policy.
- Voice any concerns and questions regarding the student to the Rotarian host counselor, including serious homesickness, difficulty adapting to family life or school, or illness.
- Maintain close contact with the host club, and address problems and concerns quickly.
- Exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student’s well being.
- Encourage involvement in community life by introducing the student to neighbors, friends, and local groups.
- Teach the student about the local culture, and learn about the student’s culture.
- Advise the student about matters related to school, family, community functions, and friendship.