We are looking for Youth Exchange host families in the Baldwinsville School District
You might not realize how easy it is to be a host family:
- You welcome a foreign exchange student into your home for just 3-4 months
- Treat them like any teenager in the home as far as chores, school commitments, going on vacations, and speaking the language
- The cost to you is feeding them and transporting them around (although there is assistance for that from Rotarians when needed)
- They come with their own phone, health insurance, spending money, and emergency fund
- Our goal is cultural exchange - to have them learn about our culture through your family's traditions and for your family to learn about their way of life back home
Host families come in all shapes and sizes, which is the whole point of having a student stay with 2-3 families throughout the school year. We want them to experience some different family structures and home lives during their year abroad.
You don't have to have children in the home or have children of a certain age to be a host parent. It's actually great for empty-nesters who love youthful energy in their home!
It's an incredibly rewarding experience too!
- Students often become an adopted family member, building life-long relationships
- You learn about new food, fashion and culture
- You make global connections - host families that like to travel often visit their student in their home country after an exchange is over
- Exchange students tend to be inquisitive and eager to learn
- Exchange students can inspire their host brothers and sisters to be open to new things
- Hosting can bring a new energy to the home that can have a positive impact on everyone
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about hosting to help you understand what the commitment entails. You can also contact us using the form below to speak with past host families about their experiences and get more details on how to begin the process.
Click the video below to hear from exchange students
about what this program means to them (will open in YouTube).
about what this program means to them (will open in YouTube).
The best way to know if hosting is right for you and your family is to speak to experienced host parents.
Contact us with the form below to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can host?
Anyone living in the Baldwinsville School District who has a spare bedroom in their home and an open heart! There is an interview and vetting process to be completed, as well as training provided by our CNY District Youth Exchange program, but we would like to have a variety of families to place students with. During their approximate 10 month exchange we place each student with three different families so they can be immersed in more than one experience. Each family has their own traditions and it will enhance their exchange to be a part of them all!
How much does it cost?
It might sound like an expensive venture to add another member to your family, but many of the student's costs are covered. It is expected that host families provide room, board and household/hygiene items for the student, as well as include them in any family activities or trips during their stay. Students have a cell phone, health insurance, and a small stipend for expenses that come up like hair cuts or fun stuff with friends. Most host families just end up spending a little extra on gas and groceries.
What will be expected of my family?
The goal of an exchange is to share ideas, cultures and traditions in a family setting. We would like you to treat an exchange student as you would your own children - with the same rules, caring, chores and inclusion. The "exchange" part of the program comes when the student shares their culture with your family - through stories, gifts, cooking and more. Your family needs to be open to getting to know this new family member and willing to put a little extra into making sure they acclimate to their new surroundings, new language and new school. You will be provided a handbook so you can be proactive about any challenges you can expect or may encounter, and you will have connections with multiple Rotarians that can help at a moment's notice.
Will my student speak English?
Communication can be a concern for anyone interacting with an exchange student, especially the people they live with. The level of their language skills varies when they arrive in America and almost always improves throughout their stay, so depending on the timing of your hosting (fall, winter or spring) this may or may not even be an issue. We do hope that host families can assist with any struggles students might experience in mastering English while here. All Youth Exchange students also attend orientations to help them deal with the changes in their surroundings and everyone in the process has access to counselors that are experienced in dealing with these challenges.
Communication can be a concern for anyone interacting with an exchange student, especially the people they live with. The level of their language skills varies when they arrive in America and almost always improves throughout their stay, so depending on the timing of your hosting (fall, winter or spring) this may or may not even be an issue. We do hope that host families can assist with any struggles students might experience in mastering English while here. All Youth Exchange students also attend orientations to help them deal with the changes in their surroundings and everyone in the process has access to counselors that are experienced in dealing with these challenges.
How does my student get around?
Transportation for exchange students is a collaborative effort. When it comes to day-to-day things like school, sports, your family functions or events with friends, a host family is responsible for transportation. Just as you would be for your own children. We may sometimes ask host parents to bring their student to a Rotary function too, but often times we will work together to help with transportation for Rotary-related events. A lot of carpooling happens and host parents often work together on these things. You are provided with a full calendar of events for Rotary functions that students must attend. Students are not allowed to drive.
Transportation for exchange students is a collaborative effort. When it comes to day-to-day things like school, sports, your family functions or events with friends, a host family is responsible for transportation. Just as you would be for your own children. We may sometimes ask host parents to bring their student to a Rotary function too, but often times we will work together to help with transportation for Rotary-related events. A lot of carpooling happens and host parents often work together on these things. You are provided with a full calendar of events for Rotary functions that students must attend. Students are not allowed to drive.
You can also learn more about our Youth Exchange Program on the district site at CNY7180youthexchange.org
A Long History of Exchange
Baldwinsville Rotary has not only hosted exchange students for decades, but the members of their club have been regional leaders in the exchange program too, including two who were long-time chairs.
Our members take great pride in participating in Youth Exchange for many reasons:
- It's fun to work with youth
- The cultural exchange element is always an opportunity to learn about another part of the world
- We also build life-long relationships with our exchange students and keep in touch for many years after their year in Baldwinsville
- As members of a global organization that cares deeply about peace, we know that the more we learn about other places in the world and meet people from different backgrounds, the more peace we will achieve
