IS YOUR CLUB INTERESTED IN YOUTH EXCHANGE?Youth Exchange helps support global understanding - for the students, host families, and club members. Click the "read more" link to find answers to the most frequently asked Youth Exchange questions.
Who enrolls the student in school? The club is responsible for completing the enrollment paper work for the student’s Guarantee form and getting the student enrolled in classes after arrival. If the first host family wishes to be involved, that is encouraged but it is not their responsibility to get this done.
What is a club financial responsible for a student? The club needs to pay for all required material for school. This does not include extra curricula activities (for example sports fees). Many clubs do pay these additional fees but it is up to the individual clubs.
What amount of an allowance do clubs provide for students? The recommendation is no more than $150 per month. It cannot be less than $100
What are host families responsible for?
Host families need to provide room and board. They do not have to pay for the students incidentals unless they want to that is what the monthly allowance is intended to cover. It is required that if a family goes out to dinner they pay for their student’s dinner also. .
Do host families need to provide lunch money for students? They need to provide the materials for the student to make lunch. If they provide an opportunity for the student to bring their lunch and the student wants to buy lunch then that is the student’s responsibility.
Do host families receive payment for their student? Host families shall not receive compensation for hosting a student. This is a RI and US State Department rule. A tax deduction per month is available to host families (please consult your accountant) Clubs can choose to help pay for the student to take family vacations if asked?
Do host families need to be back ground checked? All individuals in a family 18 years of age or older must have a background check.
If a club hosts a student does everyone in the club need to be background checked? No, only members that are going to transport the student to Rotary functions alone. This means that if a club member is taking a student to a non- rotary event I.e. a baseball game that Rotarian does not need to be checked.
How often should the student attend Rotary? Clubs should have their student attend at least once a month. Some clubs have them attend every week. You should invite them to all special events and fundraisers.
Can a student work? A student shall not get an actual job, but they can do odds and ends for Rotarians i.e. Mow the lawn, baby sit if they choose to. This is a good way for the student to earn extra money for the special trips, such as the summer trip.
Transportation? The Host family is responsible for the transportation to and from school if there is not a bus available. The club is responsible for transportation to and from all Mandatory events and rotary meetings. However, if the host family is willing to transport to mandatory meetings, that is OK. YEOs are encouraged to communicate with nearby hosting clubs to arrange for carpooling.
How long should a student stay at each home? 3-4 months is recommended; however, they must be able to attend the same High School throughout the year.
Contact Kimberly Armitage, District 5450 Youth Exchange Chair, for more information: karmitage@denverymca.org