Rotary Club of Dunwoody seeks host families for youth exchange program
The Rotary Club of Dunwoody is looking for a few good families – three in fact – to host an international exchange student who will attend Dunwoody High School in 2025.
“Hosting a Rotary International high school exchange student is a life-enhancing experience for the entire family,” Rotary Past President and Youth Exchange Officer Rick Woods said. “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.”
Woods and the Rotary are looking for three families to each take a 90-day hosting stint, during which time they will provide food, shelter, and guidance for the exchange student.
“You will enable that person to learn English, attend a U.S. high school and live in American culture,” he said. “At the same time, you and your family will learn about their culture, thereby enriching your life and experiences.”
The incoming exchange student will have his or her own insurance and pocket money while the host will offer room and board, he said. There is no stipend paid to the host families.
“The ideal family will have a student at Dunwoody High School, but we don’t have a particular model for any host, other than someone who has a big heart,” Woods said.
The vetting process for both the exchfor one to become an exchange student can take up to a year. Students can apply when they are 14, and those who are chosen normally range from 15-18 years old. The chosen exchange student must be conversational in English, with the goal of being fluent by the end of the year.
“In the past, the success rate [of being fluent by year’s end] has been incredible,” Woods said.
The potential host family will also have to undergo an application process, a background check and a home visit before being approved.
While the host is responsible for the safety of the exchange student, it’s not their responsibility to act as a taxi service or a tour guide, Woods said, instead Rotarians from the hosting club will be helping in these areas.
According to the International Rotary Club website, the goal of the program is to “build peace one young person at a time.”
Exchange students, according to the website, unlock their true potential to develop lifelong leadership skills, learn a new language and culture and build lasting friendships with young people around the world.
For more information about being a host family or complete an application, visit https://www.ryese.org/host-a-student/.
Anyone wanting specifics about the Rotary Club of Dunwoody’s process can call Woods at 678-296-2295 or email sdoowrm@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Dunwoody meets three Fridays each month at 7:15 a.m. at AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter – Bar Peri, 40 Perimeter Center Pl NE.
