Host Familes
When we first decided to open our home to a Rotary Youth Exchange student, we expected to share our culture and offer a welcoming space for a teenager studying abroad. What we didn't fully realize was how profoundly the experience would transform our own lives and forever stretch the boundaries of our family.
Hosting an exchange student quickly moves beyond simply sharing a guest room or showing someone around town. It is in the everyday moments—cooking dinner together, navigating language nuances over breakfast, and sharing family traditions—that a true connection takes root. Watching a young person grow in confidence, adapt to a new culture, and share their unique heritage with us brought a fresh, inspiring perspective into our daily routine.
Through this journey, our home grew warmer, our world grew smaller, and our family grew bigger. Distance and borders no longer feel like barriers; instead, they represent places across the globe where we now have family waiting with open arms. Becoming a host family was more than a wonderful experience—it permanently expanded our hearts and connected us to a global community that will always be a part of who we are.
The Stephan Family
Port Orford, Oregon
Open Your Heart and Home! Become a Host Family
Ever dreamed of introducing your family to new languages, traditions, and cultures without leaving home? By welcoming a Rotary Youth Exchange student for 3 to 5 months, you can bring the world right to your front door!
Our program only exists because of caring, open-minded families who step up to welcome students from all over the globe. In today’s world, building bridges across cultures is one of the most powerful things we can do. Hosting isn't just about sharing your home—it’s about discovering how much common ground we all share and making lifelong global connections along the way.
Who Can Host?
There’s no single "right" way to be a host family! We love welcoming families of all shapes and sizes because they reflect the true diversity of our local communities. You’re a great fit whether you:
- Have young kids or teenagers at home
- Are empty nesters or retired
- Are a single parent or a busy working household
If you’re excited to open your home to an exchange student—whether it’s your very first time or a welcome return—you can start your application right on our Home Page!
A Journey That Goes Both Ways
Hosting is a deeply rewarding, two-way street. As you share your everyday life, you and your student become cultural ambassadors for one another. You’ll laugh over shared stories, compare traditions, and learn from each other's perspectives. Celebrating what makes us similar and embracing what makes us unique opens everyone’s heart and mind.
Common Myths About Hosting
"We work full-time and won't have time to entertain a student."
Don't worry—you don't need to be a full-time tour guide! Your real job is simply giving your student a warm, safe home where they feel like part of the family. That means helping them get to school, sharing meals, and offering encouragement along the way.
"We don't have kids living at home, so we can't host."
Students thrive in all kinds of loving homes! You don’t need teenagers around to make a student feel welcome. In fact, many host parents who are empty nesters find that hosting lets them build exceptionally close, meaningful bonds with their students.
"My own child is going on exchange this year, so I should wait until they get back."
Hosting while your child is away is actually a wonderful fit! It gives you a firsthand look at what your own child is experiencing abroad and fills your home with brand-new energy while they’re away.
What We Learn
Hosting changes lives and offers young people a once in a life time opportunity to get to be a part of your family!
At the end of the day, hosting reminds us of something truly special: no matter where we come from or what language we speak, we are far more alike than we are different!