Rotary Youth Exchange has started running again after a few years of country shutdowns and DE certificating our District and the recertifying our district. Virginia Craig is our District Chair. She has two students going out this coming Fall; one is going to Japan and the other to Taiwan. As the name implies - exchange - Virginia needs to find two Host Clubs in our district and host families within the club. Both of the students from the respective countries have a good command of English.
The ideal exchange involves having one Host Club with 1-3 host families for 10 months, 4-5 months, or 5-6 months respectively, and in the same school district. Small towns that have only one school can be ideal for this exchange, but large cities work great as well. The first and most important item on the list for a host family is to make certain these two students can go to school in the host family's district.
Some of the needs for the Host Club: invite the student to Rotary meetings, identify volunteer opportunities for the student to participate in with the club, facilitate discussion of needs and expectations between the host family and student, arrange a monthly allowance for the student not less than $100 per month.
Requirements of a host family: Student must go to school in host family’s district and make certain there is a slot open for an exchange student, provide a private bedroom (or a bedroom with no more than one of your own children of the same gender), treat your exchange student like one of your own children (for example, arranging transportation to school activities, including students in your own family meals, helping students with homework, and making sure they are a part of all family activities) and help your student learn English and about American culture (Rotary clubs have scheduled activities for the students). Minimal costs to the host family include Room and Board, laundry detergent, toothpaste, soap, etc., meals including school lunches, regular family activities, such as movies, eating out, family vacations, etc. Exchange students pay their own expenses when going out with their friends.
There is an orientation for host families as this article just touches on the highlights.
Virginia is also available to come to clubs and do a program on RYE. Time is of the essence now as she needs to find host clubs and families in our district. If you and or your club are interested in participating in RYE, please reach out to Virginia at 512-983-6967 or vscraig17@outlook.com