Imagine the opportunity to bring the world into your home and share your culture with a young student eager to learn and explore. Peoria Public Schools is excited to invite parents and staff to consider becoming host families for Rotary Youth Exchange students. Hosting an exchange student is more than just opening your door—it’s opening your heart to a life-changing experience that creates lifelong memories for your family and a young ambassador from another country.
Hosting an exchange student is a chance to:
Celebrate Cultural Exchange: Share your family traditions, community, and American life while learning about your student’s unique culture.
Expand Your Horizons: See the world through the eyes of a teenager from another country while supporting their growth and learning.
Build Lifelong Connections: Many host families stay connected with their exchange students for years, creating friendships that span continents.
As a host family, you’ll provide a welcoming home, three meals a day, and the same care and support you’d give any family member. Exchange students are aged 15-19 and are carefully selected for their adaptability and enthusiasm. They come to the U.S. ready to embrace new experiences, attend school full-time, and participate in extracurricular activities.
The time commitment is manageable, with students staying 3-6 months per family. You’ll receive guidance and support from Rotary’s Youth Exchange team, so you’re never in this alone. Families of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to host—single parents, empty nesters, families with young children, or families with teens.
Hosting doesn’t just enrich the student’s life; it benefits your family, too. As one past host family shared:
"Hosting an exchange student brought so much joy and perspective to our home. We learned about their culture, and they became part of our family. It’s an experience we’ll cherish forever!"
If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding adventure or have questions, please contact Beth Allen, the District 6460 Youth Exchange Chair, at bethbellattiallen@gmail.com or 831-970-8308 o visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges
Open your heart and home—you’ll gain so much more in return. Together, let’s make the world a little smaller and a lot closer!