Host Family FAQ
What should I expect of my Exchange Student?
- Adapt to host family
- Learn our language and learn our culture
- Perform well in school - they must attend
- Communicate (do not withdraw)
- Represent country and Rotary
- Participate in Rotary, school, and community activities
- Return home within 2 weeks of end of school, or 1 week after USA Tour
- Accept Program Rules & Guidance
- No Driving, Drinking and Drugs
- No Smoking
- School attendance and participation required
- Choose friends carefully
- Do some Community Volunteering
- Can not get a paying job - Work as babysitter, around house encouraged
- Visits from home only at end of exchange year
- Limit phone calls, e-mails, Cell phones, Internet. Here to learn culture
What about medical care and insurance?
- All Inbound students are Insured
- CISI/Bolduc policy unless waived
- Review info under the "Student Insurance" button in left sidebar
- You should receive an Emergency medical release from the Host Rotary Club before the student arrives
- In the event of illness/accident stabilize student first
- Call Rotary Contact as soon as possible
- Use Family doctors
- Check with club they may know of Rotarian Physicians & Dentists
- Notifying student's family - check with District Country Contact first
- Let Rotary do the contacting once details are known
Can my student travel while staying with me?
- Yes, with Host Family, other travel requires Rotary approval
- This is a Cultural & Educational Program - NOT a Travel program
- Written Approval from Parents Required
- Students not allowed to make own travel plans - must be pre-approved by Rotary
- Unauthorized Travel will result in student being returned home
What about school - getting registered, attendance requirements, etc.?
- Educational program - student visa requires attendance
- Visit school with Rotary Counselor shortly after arrival to set class schedule - must be taking a full academic course load
- Second Language English Proficiency (SLEP) test administered shortly after students arrive
- May need tutoring - Host club arrange - Student & their family pays
- NO Driver Education allowed
- Encourage participation : Sports, Music, Drama, etc., and Interact
- Families should help with Homework
Dietary Issues
- May be religious based or other - ask
- Many variations - discuss with the student
- Try to accommodate but student ultimately responsible for good nutrition
The Exchange Cycle
- Exchange students have varying mood swings - recognize them
- Refer to back cover of Host Family handbook provided to you.
Get Connected
- Establish contact with student's parents
- Send them newsy letters/e-mails about their son/daughter
What can I expect from Rotary?
- Select qualified host families
- Provide a counselor & monthly allowance
- Help with school arrangements
- Be an advocate for the student
- Counselor/YEO "supervise" student
- Communicate & Support host families & schools
- Help with transportation for "special events"
- Student's Rotary Counselor should:
- Maintain contact once/month (min.)
- Assure student attends Club meetings once/month (min.)
- Encourage involvement by Club members
- Help with school issues during year
- Arrange transition to each new host family
- Maintain student's Emergency funds
- Available 24/7/365 for support