Wanted: Broadneck Homes for International Students

In this new global economy, it is more important than ever for students to have a true sense of the world, learning of different cultures and being able to understand, communicate and cooperate with those around them.

The Parole Rotary Club of Annapolis is actively involved with the International Rotary Youth Exchange program that sponsors in-bound international exchange students attending schools like Broadneck High School for the entire school year. The Club is now actively seeking host families for the 2011-2012 school year for students who arrive in August.

“Over the past five years we have hosted students from countries like Brazil, Germany, and Romania,” said Bill Fine, Youth Exchange Counselor for the Parole Rotary Club. “This is a great opportunity to participate in an international cultural experience and the beginning of lifelong international friendships for families and their children. It is through programs like this that we foster greater international understanding and lasting world peace, one by one.”

The club is in search of host families for a three to four month period in the next school year: mid-August 2011 arrival through October; November through February; and March through June 2012.

It is best if families have children attending Broadneck High School (BHS) - ideally sophomores or juniors, but all grades will be considered.

Parole Rotary provides the student with a $100 stipend each month, so the host family is responsible for room and board for the host period as their only expense.

The club also sponsors BHS students out-bound to other countries under the same Youth Exchange Program. Deadline for applications for 2011-2012 out-bound exchange is August 2011. For more information, click here.

Fine is hopeful that host families will continue to support the program. "This is how peace breaks out in the world, one person at a time,” he said. “These students are the best U.S. ambassadors when they return to their countries than anyone we could send because they have had the chance to live with us and get to know the truth about us and can share it with others."

If you are interested in being a host family, contact Fine at Wfine46@verizon.net or 410-493-8467 as soon as possible for information and to set up an interview. The club needs to secure host families by June in order for inbound students to secure their student visas and keep this great program running.