By Monty Siekerman
The Ada Rotary Club is looking for host families for an exchange student who will attend Ada High School this coming fall. Three host families are needed, each for three months between August and May.

Those interested may contact Rotarian Bill Trudeau at 419-634-9990. The local club has supported an exchange student for several years. A youth from Turkey was here last year. It has not been decided yet who will come to Ada late this summer.

Host families pay house expenses (meals, Internet, electricity) as for any family members. Expenses outside the family (school fees, cell phone, Rotary travel, etc.) are paid by the student, Rotary, or sometimes gifts to the local program.

The program meets the guidelines of the U.S. State Department.

Who can host? Younger or older and larger or smaller families make good hosts, as do single adults. Host families can have students of similar ages, but that is not necessary.  Host families are vetted and undergo a background check. Students are to fit in as family members, not guests.

“Exchanges create lifelong friendships,” Tradeau said. “It is not unusual for host families and students to continue communication for decades after the initial visit.”