Be A Host Parent

Is Hosting Right for Me?

YCE logo

Are you interested in learning about other cultures and ways of life while sharing your own customs and experiences? Are open-mindedness, tolerance and cultural competence of high importance to you? Do you have a desire to contribute towards peace, international understanding, and the creation of young global citizens? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may enjoy being a host family for the Youth Camp and Exchange Program (YCE)!

Host Family Handbook

Benefits of Hosting

Hosting a young person from another country is a fulfilling experience and has many benefits:

  • You experience the joy of sharing your culture and daily customs
  • You learn about your visitor's customs and culture
  • You open a new world of possibilities and thinking to a young person
  • You make a new friend - maybe a friend for life

What to Expect

Youth participants are usually between the ages of 15 and 22, and come from any of the more than 200 countries and geographic locations where there are Lions clubs. He/she will have completed an admissions process before being accepted to participate in the program. He/she may or may not know the language of your country but will have a desire to learn. Host families should include the participant in their daily routine, including family meals, as YCE is intended to be an immersive learning experience. Local excursions are not required of host families, but the host Lions club often arranges for participants to visit local points of interest and engage in social activities, like picnics and get-togethers.

Host Family Eligibility

The host Lions club must approve all host families. To be eligible to become a host family you must:

  • Have regular contact with youth of the approximate age of the participant
  • Be familiar with Lions clubs and the goals of YCE
  • Be able to provide a bed and meals for your guest
  • Follow all local laws related to youth protection

How to Apply

Apply to become a host family today by submitting your LCI_YCE_Application_Host_01a_en.pdfto Tammy Allan at MD19YEP@gmail.com.
Or continue down to the next slide and submit electronically.

Once an exchange is confirmed, you and your guest will correspond via e-mail, mail or telephone. You should also attend an orientation provided by the host Lions club. This orientation will help prepare you for one of the most exciting experiences of your life, and answer any questions you may have about the exchange program.

Topics may include:

  • Cultural tolerance
  • Cultural adaptation (including host family relations)
  • Host family role
  • Rules and logistics, along with other pertinent information about Lions clubs
  • Role of sponsor Lions club and host Lions club and districts
  • Travel
  • Visas and passports
  • Immunizations
  • Insurance
  • Local currency and suggested out-of-pocket expenses