Are You Interested in Becoming a Host Family?
We are looking for 3-4 host families for an inbound exchange student and 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 town. 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. For more details about becoming a host family, click here.
About Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange is a worldwide program involving more than 80 countries with some 8000 students participating each year. The objective is to promote understanding and acceptance of different cultures around the world. In turn, it provides each participant the opportunity to experience an academic year abroad and to be an ambassador for their home country, home Rotary club, and their community. The exchange program that we offer in this district is 10-11 months long.
Application Requirements
- 16-17 years old at time of departure in late August
- Full time secondary school student
- Canadian citizen
- In good health
- Recommended by their school
- Parental permission
- Open minded and eager to learn a new language and culture
What Are The Host Countries?
Successful candidates should have an open mind and be prepared to complete a 10-11 month long exchange in any of our host countries. Each student will have the opportunity to list their top preferences, and the district committee will try to accommodate them. The selection of countries varies slightly from year to year. Rotary District 7070 currently has exchange networks with the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Germany, Norway, Spain & Thailand
Where Does the Exchange Student Stay?
Exchange students live with 2-4 approved host families, provided by the host country's Rotary club. During the exchange, students will learn to adapt to a variety of situations and learn to appreciate different perspectives. Host families are expected to treat them as a part of the family, and students are expected to adapt to the family style and routines. If challenges should arise, students have a counsellor, host club, and home club for support.
How Does School Work?
Exchange students attend secondary school full time, integrating with their peers and learning the local language. They may or may not take exams in the host country and may not receive any academic credits for the year away. Exchange students should be prepared to repeat one year of school when they return to Canada.
Can Students Travel During The Exchange?
Exchange students typically have the opportunity to travel domestically within the host country with the Rotary club, Rotary district, or host family. Depending on the country, international travel may also occur.
What Are the Expectations of the Sponsoring Club?
Students on exchange are expected to be cultural ambassadors representing their home country, their home club, and their community. This means being a respectful guest, being curious, and being engaged. Key aspects of an exchange student's role as an ambassador include representing their culture, fostering understanding, embodying Rotary values, and sharing their experiences upon their return to Canada.
What Are the Timelines?
Rotary Youth Exchange timelines vary by district, but the general process for long-term exchanges involves applying the year before departure, typically in September or October, for an exchange that starts the following August. After local interviews in the fall, a district-level application is due, followed by district interviews in late winter or early spring, with training and orientation happening in the months before departing in August.
Explore a new country and become a global citizen
Learn a new language and culture
Build lasting friendships and develop lifelong leadership skills
To learn more about youth exchange opportunities, costs, or becoming a host family: