Whitewater Times

Have you ever considered exploring another culture, language, or customs? Hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange Student for three to five months allows families to experience different cultures without leaving home. The program relies on the generosity of families who welcome students they have never met. It emphasizes the importance of exposing children and adults to diverse people and places, fostering a global community with shared hopes and dreams.

The program accommodates various family structures as host families—whether small or large, with children or without. Working and retired families are also encouraged to participate. By placing international students with different types of families, the program aims to reflect real-world diversity.

Addressing common concerns about hosting:

"I work full time and can’t entertain the student." Host families are not required to entertain; their role is to provide a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring students attend school and stay healthy.

"We don’t have any children in the home – we can’t host." All family dynamics are welcome. Students thrive in loving homes regardless of whether there are other children present. A long-time host parent, Charlie Neu, noted deeper relationships with exchange students after his own children had left home.

"My child is going out on exchange this year, and I would rather host when they return." Hosting while your child is away can be an enriching experience that mirrors what your child undergoes during their exchange.

Currently, there is a need for host families for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year and into 2025-26. Interested individuals seeking more information about becoming a host family can contact John Henderson at hederson6270@gmail.com, Amy Gee at geeam@elkhorn.k12.wi.us, or Christine Lira at lirach@elkhorn.k12.wi.us.