Rotary Sweden–Latvia · Rotary Youth Exchange
Host family

Become a host family

Open your home and change a young person's life – while the whole family gains a lifelong experience of a new culture.

Host family with an exchange student

Become a host family through Rotary and give a young person from abroad the chance to experience Sweden – while your whole family gains a lifelong, transformative experience of a new culture.

Being a host family was one of the most enriching experiences we’ve ever had. We gained a new family member and a completely new view of the world.

Kristina, host mum – while her daughter Tyra was in the USA

An experience that enriches the whole family

Cultural exchange at home

Without leaving your home, the whole family experiences a new culture, new traditions and a new perspective on the world. Your own children gain a "sister" or "brother" from another country.

Lifelong friendships

Many host families stay in touch with their exchange students long after the exchange year – an extended family in another country, and perhaps a place to visit in the future.

Personal growth

Opening your home develops empathy, understanding and communication skills in everyone in the family. It is a meaningful contribution that makes a real difference.

Security through Rotary

Rotary has a well-established organisation with clear guidelines, certification requirements and dedicated contact people who support you throughout the period.

Your child is prioritised

Families who host are prioritised in the admission process if your own child wants to go on an exchange. It increases the chance of being placed in the desired country.

Flexible commitment

You choose whether you want to be a host family for the whole year or part of it. Normally the student rotates between 2–3 families during the exchange period.

As a host family you can welcome an exchange student for a shorter or longer period, depending on what works best for you. Normally the student lives with 2–3 families during a whole school year or calendar year.

What’s included

  • Support from a local Rotary club and a dedicated contact person
  • Insurance through Rotary
  • A monthly allowance of SEK 1,000/month to the student
  • An introduction camp with language training
  • District activities and events

How it works – from registration to welcome

  1. Register your interestFill in the interest form. We'll contact you for an initial conversation and answer all your questions.
  2. CertificationAll family members over 18 complete Rotary's youth protection training and provide an extract from the criminal record.
  3. MatchingRotary matches you with an exchange student based on your wishes and circumstances. You receive confirmation and contact details.
  4. Contact before arrivalGet in touch with your exchange student as soon as you've received the placement notice – it makes the transition much smoother.
  5. Welcome homeThe student arrives and your shared adventure begins. Your contact person and Rotary club are there to support you all the way.

Minimum requirements for host families

Rotary sets a few basic requirements to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.

  • Own sleeping space – their own bed (a shared room only with siblings of the same sex and roughly the same age) and a suitable place for schoolwork.
  • Family togetherness – shared meals and activities. The student should be made part of the family.
  • Certification – all family members over 18 complete the youth protection training and provide an extract from the criminal record.
  • School and activities – the student must be able to take part in school activities and social life. Lessons are compulsory.
  • Language support – speak Swedish with the student from day one. The best language learning happens in the host family.
  • Fair treatment – the student should be treated as a family member of their own, not used for extensive household chores. A maximum of two exchange students of different nationalities.

Who pays for what?

As a host family you cover the everyday costs – Rotary and the host club take care of the rest.

The host family

Everyday life

Food and accommodation plus the same activities as for your own children.

The host club (Rotary)

The club's support

Club visits and outings, possibly a bus pass, plus a birthday present and Christmas gift.

The RU Foundation / district

The program

Monthly allowance of SEK 1,000/month, introduction camp with language training, district activities and insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Good to know

Do we have to be Rotary members?
No, there is no requirement to be a Rotary member to become a host family. Rotary looks for host families among both members and non-members.
Where do the exchange students come from?
The most common countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany and Austria.
When do the exchange students arrive?
Students from the northern hemisphere arrive 28 July–1 August and stay for one school year. A smaller group from the southern hemisphere (including Australia and New Zealand) arrives in January and stays for one calendar year.
Does the student speak Swedish?
Most students speak little or no Swedish on arrival. Rotary arranges a compulsory introduction camp with language training. The best learning then happens in the host family – feel free to speak Swedish from day one!
What rules must the student follow?
Rotary has clear rules summarised in the "6 Ds": No Drinking, No Drugs, No Dating, No Driving, No Decorating (tattoos/piercings) and No Downloading (illegal). There is a system of yellow and red cards for rule violations.
What happens if problems arise?
Every exchange has a dedicated contact person from the local Rotary club whom you can always turn to. In addition, the district chair and the RU office are there for support. Rotary has long experience of handling all kinds of situations.
How does schooling work?
The student is placed at an upper-secondary school in your town in a suitable program. Attendance is compulsory. The student normally does not receive grades but may receive a certificate. The school costs are covered by the Swedish school system.
How do I go about it if I'm interested in being a host family?
Start by filling in our interest form. It involves no obligation – we'll contact you for an initial conversation where you can ask all your questions. After that you are guided through the certification process and matched with an exchange student who suits your particular family. You can also call us directly on 08-644 74 10 or email info@rotarystudent.se.

Do you have questions?

Contact your local Rotary club or get in touch with us and we'll help you on your way.

Register interest Go to contact
Email
info@rotarystudent.se
Phone
08-644 74 10
Address
c/o Högberg, Hasselstigen 78, 141 71 Segeltorp