Become a Host Family

Hosting a Rotary Exchange Student from another country is a challenging experience that enriches every member of your family. By opening your hearts and your home, you share in international understanding and fellowship. 

 

Since 1929, hundreds of thousands of young men and women have been global ambassadors through Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE). It's a worldwide program involving 80+ countries and about 8,000 students participating each year. The objective is to promote understanding and acceptance of different cultures around the world. It provides each participant the opportunity to experience an academic year abroad.
Our Rotary District operates a 10-11 month exchange. Two students are involved in the exchange, attending school and immersing themselves in the local culture in their host community:
a) An inbound international exchange student who lives with three to four host families in our community
b) An outbound exchange student from our community who lives abroad with host families in another country.
For more details about the RYE Program, go to: https://pictonrotary.ca/page/youth-exchange-program
 

Would you like to Host an Inbound Student?

We are looking for 3-4 host families for an inbound exchange student. Each family will be expected to accommodate the student for 3-4 months.

This international student will be 16-17 years old and is sponsored by the Rotary club in their home area. They will arrive in August 2026 and will be attending our local high school and immersing themselves in the local culture. English will likely be their second language.

The student will be away from their home for 10-11 months and will need the support of host families, our club, and our community.

Eligible host families are:

  • Married or common law couples

  • Single parent families

  • Homes with or without school age children

  • Respected members of the community

  • Background vulnerable sector check approved

  • Reference checked (references provided by the applicant)

  • Approved by our Rotary club

  • Not required to be a member of Rotary

Qualifying exchange students are:

  • Generally above-average students

  • Have demonstrated leadership in their community

  • Are sponsored by their local Rotary Club

  • Have completed a written application and in-person interview

Host Family Benefits

  • Cultural exchange: It is a chance to learn about a different culture without leaving home, as the student acts as an ambassador for their country.

  • Family enrichment: The experience can be a source of new perspectives and memorable experiences for the entire family.

  • Mutual reward: While not compensated financially, many host families find the relationships they form with the students to be deeply rewarding and long-lasting.