AFS Host Family FAQ - | AFS Intercultural Programs

Welcoming an international student into your home is a great way to learn about a new culture and share your own culture and values. Children often enjoy being cultural ambassadors, introducing their new brother, sister and parents to local customs, traditions and national holidays. Everything from preparing meals to sightseeing are opportunities to discover and appreciate cultural and other differences when you become an AFS Global Family.

AFS is a leading student exchange and study abroad program for secondary school students, supported and monitored by trained staff and volunteers. Since 1947, AFS has prepared young people with practical skills, knowledge and more needed to compete in a global world.

Read our AFS Global Family FAQ below or contact us on info@afs.org if you have more questions.

What do Global Families do?

AFS has invited families to welcome international students in their homes since 1947. Being a Global Family means you’re welcoming a student from another part of the world:Germany, Thailand, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Norway, from wherever you can imagine! And by doing that you will be adding someone new to your family, as close as a son or daughter of your own! You don’t need to send your own children on an AFS exchange at the same time. The only thing you need is to be sure you can provide Love, Food and a Home. We have different types of programs, so you can choose how much time you can be a host family. Be part of the life-changing experience of hosting a student and share a bond that will last forever.

What is expected of Global Families?

Being a Global Family is fun! You will live a global adventure without leaving home. You will welcome a new member into your home, share your everyday lives, and grow as you get to know each other and share your cultural perspectives. The AFS student should participate in all your family’s daily lives and events and you will offer the ame care, support and comfort you provide to other members of your family, including meals.

Who are AFS exchange students?

How are students selected?

What types of families can be a Global Family?

All types of families can be a Global Family. There is no “typical” AFS Global Family. AFS welcomes all kind of families! Some Global Families have children at home; some are same sex couples; others are empty nesters with adult children or are couples with no children at all. Busy families also find time to enjoy hosting students. And single adults and single parents… are also welcome!

How does AFS support Global Families?

The health, safety and well-being of our students is the number one priority for AFS. AFS volunteers and staff are committed and trained to support students and their families throughout the AFS experience. AFS has consistent guidelines that apply to all AFS Organizations.

24 hour emergency contact
Local volunteer or staff support for both the host family and AFS student
Additional support from the national office of the AFS Organization in that country
Facilitated intercultural learning programs by trained volunteers and staff for both the host family and AFS student
All living facilities and situations are inspected and closely monitored by AFS throughout the exchange experience.

What types of programs are offered by AFS?

What is a Global Family's financial obligation?

Will the Global Family need to cover medical expenses?

Does AFS have rules for students?

Yes. AFS students are expected to obey all the AFS rules and policies that are applicable while on their program. Should a student break a rule such as driving or taking illegal drugs, they will have their program terminated. Hosted participants are expected to obey all local and national laws. We also limit independent travel by students. You will be provided with a Global Family Handbook, which contains information on these rules and safety information, at or before your pre-arrival orientation.

Why becoming a Global Family is good for my family?

Being an AFS Global Family provides a fun, rewarding and transformative experience for the whole family—a global family adventure without leaving home.
Global Families share cultures/learn about new cultures—creating a lifetime of memories and friendships. You and your family will have friends to visit in another part of the world.
Welcoming a student from another part of the world encourages families to open up their mind and gain better insights into the perspectives of people from other cultures.
It is an opportunity to bring cultural diversity to the family and community and to make an impact in the world.
It helps family members experience personal growth, re-energize and grow as a family.
It is an opportunity for young children in the family to bond with a new sibling as a big brother/sister or role model from another part of the world.
It helps everyone in the family develop more effective communication and intercultural skills.
Your family will practice another language.
By becoming a Global Family, you support the AFS mission of helping individuals and communities become more comfortable with and adapt to cultural and other differences. You also join an organization and a community dedicated to creating a more just, peaceful and inclusive world.

Will AFS help my family get along with our new student?

The AFS Global Family Intercultural Learning Journey program will help you become more comfortable with your new family member, and develop skills and understanding to communicate with people from different cultures. The journey is:

Facilitated by trained AFS volunteers and staff.
Based on the well-established AFS Learning Objectives for Global Families that have been designed and approved by experts in intercultural learning from around the world.
Made of engaging and informative orientation sessions and useful learning materials you can use on your own or in group settings.

What does the AFS intercultural learning program include?

The AFS Global Family Learning Journey covers the AFS experience before, during and after the hosting program. The program’s primary goals are to help your family:

Explore and build your intercultural awareness and understanding as individual global citizens and as a family and
Better support your hosted student’s integration into a new culture and intercultural educational experience.

The AFS Global Family Learning Journey is based on the 14 AFS Learning Objectives for Host Families (developed by AFS international experts in intercultural learning) and is facilitated by trained AFS volunteers and staff. It Includes engaging and informative orientation sessions, monthly learning reflections, activities with the host student and a newsletter written specifically to enhance your hosting experience. The AFS Learning Objectives for Global Families are designed to help your family improve in four areas:

Self-Awareness
Communication Skills and Empathy
Intercultural Competence
Global Concern.

How becoming a Global Family supports the AFS mission?

Welcome the world over. This is your opportunity to bring cultural diversity to your family and community and to make an impact in the world.We are living in a challenging time for all humankind. By becoming a Global Family, you support the AFS mission of helping individuals and communities become more comfortable with and adapt to cultural and other differences. You also join an organization and a community dedicated to creating a more just, peaceful and inclusive world.

Connection for generations

“It made a big difference in my life. And now 20 years later I am taking my kids to the States to meet my Global Family. This connection continues for generations I hope.”

–Leontien Schuiling-van Bakel, AFS student from the Netherlands to USA

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