Call for Host Families for Rotary Exchange Students

I am Rick Woods, Past President of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody. I am the YEO (Youth Exchange Officer) of our club. I'm betting that you're aware of what Exchange Programs do, but if you don't, Rotary Youth Exchange is a global program whereby 10,000+ students are exchanged each year between 80+ countries. This is one of the flagship programs in Rotary and by far one of the most popular.

The Rotary Club of Dunwoody participates by sending students from Dunwoody High School abroad and receiving students from various countries and placing them at DHS for a year of study. We are currently looking for host families to take in an international exchange student. Hosting a Rotary International high school exchange student is a life-enhancing experience for the entire family. It's a unique opportunity to get new perspectives, explore new customs, and share American culture and community with others. Most of all, special friendships are built with connections that last a lifetime. Just imagine bringing in a young foreign student into your home. You will enable that person to learn English, attend a US high school and live in American culture. This will fulfill a dream that millions of teenagers around the world share. At the same time, you and your family will learn about their culture thereby enriching your life and experiences. We Rotarians have as one of our tenets the concept of World Peace Through Conflict Resolution. This program is a direct contributor to that tenet because cross cultural sharing is essential to understanding how to co-exist in the world.

The host family for a Rotary exchange student assumes parental responsibility for this young ambassador from another country. The host agrees to provide, for a 90-day period, shelter and sustenance, guidance and counsel, and love and support to the child whose family lives thousands of miles from you. The exchange students will have their own insurance and pocket money while the host will offer room and board. We do not pay any stipend to host families. The host family's responsibility is to accept the exchange student as a new member of their family. The student will be governed not only by the rules of the program but by the rules of their household. The host is responsible for the safety of the exchange student the same as for their own children. Although the host might become a bit more of the soccer mom or dad for normal everyday activities, it is not the host's responsibility to act as a taxi service or a tour guide. Rotarians from the hosting club will be helping in these areas.

Further information and details can be found at www.ryese.org. I've also attached a flyer and Handbook for Host Families. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting, please contact me at 678-296-2295 or sdoowrm@gmail.com. I'm available for a call or visit most any time.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Rick Woods

Phone: 678-296-2295