Chaska Rotary has a long history of promoting international goodwill, peace and fellowship through our support of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We need your help to keep this program viable. Rotary international has one of the most established and well run student exchange programs in the world. Would you be excited to have a student from another country live with you for four months, establishing ties of family and friendship that will last a life time?
The world is becoming a smaller place. The best avenue to world peace and understanding is to build friendships and understanding across the globe. By hosting a student in your home, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching about your country, learning about another. For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program. Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides safety and support for Youth Exchange.
Please consider serving as a host family. We have had many amazing students and are looking to sponsor a student for the 2014-2015 school year. Develop a connection that will last a life time! Host families host our Youth Exchange student for approximately three months. Many of our past host families have hosted multiple times because of the positive lift changing experience created. Some of our past host families consider themselves to have sons and daughters or brothers and sisters from all over the world.
Many people assume that you should have a son or daughter about the same age to host an exchange student. This is a myth. We are looking for any family that can provide love and guidance and are ready to have their own lives changed forever. Oftentimes empty nesters who are able to focus on and provide opportunities for the exchange student are a great fit. Also, families who have younger kids find they love having an interesting and exciting host brother or sister.
In Chaska, we have tried to find families to host that are within the boundaries of the Chaska High School. This is not an absolute rule. The host family just needs to understand the logistics of having a student in the Chaska school district.
You can read more about the student exchange program at http://northstaryouthexchange.com. Please call us, email us, see us at Rotary and spread the word wherever you can!