Want to Host an Exchangee in 2025?

09 Jan Want to Host an Exchangee in 2025?

Posted at 17:13h in Uncategorized by paulsayfc

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Mhairi’s Host Report

I hosted two exchangees from Ireland in the Summer of 2024, one for 7 nights and the other for 4 nights. This was my first time hosting somebody to stay and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I learnt so much about their country and their YF clubs and enjoyed meeting new people, I truly would recommend it to others.

My key message about hosting would be that you don’t need to be on a farm to host. I live in a flat in Perth so definitely don’t fit the farm category! However, as long as you can offer a warm welcome and a bed then you are an ideal candidate for hosting.

Throughout my time hosting, I asked others in the District to support with activities and there were at least four days in the hosting period where my guests were off with other young farmer members in the area. This is as important for the exchangee as it is you as the host. It is good for them to meet more people than just the person they are staying with and it also gives you a chance to get work done or caught up on life admin.

Also, do not hesitate to draw on YF events happening locally even if they are not your club. This Summer I attended a Car Treasure Hunt in the neighbouring District as well as fitting in three club meetings within the District plus the District field day. As soon as you know what dates you are hosting, the International Committee tend to let you know at least 4 weeks in advance, contact your Club, District and neighbouring Districts to find out what events are happening during that time and I am sure those Clubs/Districts would be delighted to have some visitors along. If you are struggling to get in contact with other clubs or Districts, please reach out to the International Committee and they will help to find out what is happening in the local area.

The other activities I did with my exchangees during hosting were exploring the local area and doing some sightseeing; an Escape Room in Stirling Castle and even took one along to the setup of the Young Farmers Centre for the Highland Show proving that you should never be afraid to integrate them into your daily life!

Hosting should not be seen as a chore – it is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and show Scotland to them. I certainly appreciated more the beauty of my local area by showing it to an exchangee. I would urge every Young Farmer to give hosting a go as it really is a rewarding experience.

Mhairi Dalgliesh: Bankfoot JAC