Welcome
Host a Rotary Youth Exchange Student
Open Your Home, Expand Your World
Every year, the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program brings thousands of talented, open-minded high school students across international borders to immerse themselves in new cultures, learn languages, and build lifelong international friendships.
The Rotary Club of Westlake-Bay Village is proud to sponsor and host inbound exchange students who attend our local schools (such as Westlake High School or Bay High School). Our exchange students have shared memorable presentations with our club about their journeys—from experiencing local culture right here to sharing insights from exchanges across Italy, Taiwan, and beyond
To make this program a success, we rely on generous, welcoming host families in our community.
What Does a Host Family Do?
Hosting an exchange student is not like having a house guest—it is about welcoming a new son or daughter into your family.
Commitment Period: Rather than hosting for the entire school year, exchange students typically stay with two to three host families for approximately 3 to 4 months each (Fall, Winter, and Spring). This gives the student a well-rounded experience and makes hosting manageable and flexible for local families.
Daily Life: You provide a private or shared bedroom (with their own bed), meals at home, and the warmth, guidance, and structure of family life.
School & Community: You help them integrate into school routines, local activities, and family traditions—whether it’s high school football games, holiday dinners, or exploring Lake Erie.
Who Can Be a Host Family?
You do NOT need to be a Rotarian to host! In fact, many of our best host families come from the broader Westlake and Bay Village communities.
Families with young children or teenagers
"Empty nesters" whose children have left for college
Couples without children or single adults
Requirement: A welcoming attitude, an extra bed, and a desire to learn about another culture.
What Support Does Rotary Provide?
You are never alone during the exchange year. Rotary surrounds every student and host family with a dedicated support system:
Rotary Youth Exchange Counselor: A dedicated club member who acts as a direct liaison between the student, school, host family, and Rotary club.
Club Youth Protection Officer: Ensuring all vetting, safety guidelines, and background checks are fully maintained
Monthly Student Allowance: The Rotary Club provides the student with a monthly spending stipend for personal expenses, school lunches, and outings.
Health & Emergency Insurance: All inbound students arrive with comprehensive international health, travel, and liability insurance.
District & Club Network: Students are invited to Rotary club meetings, service projects, and District 6630 exchange trips throughout Ohio and the US
Host Family Requirements & Safety
Because student safety is Rotary International’s top priority:
Complete a standard host family application.
Household background checks for all adults (18+) residing in the home.
An informal in-home visit and interview with our club Youth Exchange Committee.
Complete an online Youth Protection orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do host families get paid?
No. In accordance with U.S. State Department regulations and Rotary International policy, host families are volunteers. However, hosting costs (such as meals and utilities) are typically modest, and host families may qualify for a charitable tax deduction on their federal tax return.
Does the student speak English?
Yes! All selected exchange students have studied English and possess conversational skills. While their vocabulary improves dramatically during their stay, they are able to communicate from day one.
Can our family host for only part of the school year?
Yes! That is standard practice. We divide the academic year into three segments:
Host Family 1: Late August – Late November
Host Family 2: December – Mid-March
Host Family 3: Mid-March – Late June
Ready to Learn More?
Opening your home to an international student transforms your family’s worldview and leaves you with family ties on the other side of the globe.
Contact Our Youth Exchange Committee: Email our club leadership at [Insert Club Contact Email / Youth Protection Officer] or reach out via our
Contact Form Attend a Meeting: Join us any Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Westlake Porter Public Library to meet our members and learn more about our youth programs