When we think of international diplomacy, we might imagine heads of state at official meetings, but in fact everyone can (and should) engage in diplomacy.
Hosting sounded like an enjoyable experience with many benefits, so Jacque and her family said “yes!” This began an international friendship that would span 55 years.
Jerry Gulley grew up in a small town in rural Tennessee. In high school, his best friend’s family decided to…
Grace Madthing is an AFSer from Thailand who turned his experience as an exchange student into a passion for diplomacy…
In high school, Stephen Zhang knew he was ready for something new. He wondered what it would be like to…
What does it mean to be “globally competent”? This difficult-sounding term is becoming more and more common in both offices…
Melvin Harmon has been involved with and dedicated to student exchange since 1980, starting with his own year abroad in…
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can…
“I discovered what a great parent I can be and this has motivated me to adopt a child.” –Damian Pisanelli…
Hosting foreign exchange students is an amazing opportunity to form lasting personal bonds, share your culture and values, and expand…
In today’s era of misleading headlines and political divisions, separating fact from fiction can be tricky, especially when it comes…
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can…
Jenny O. and Beth R. were very familiar with foreign exchange and travel– Jenny’s family hosted students three separate times…
It’s 2018 and I’m sitting in my grandmother’s sunny Ohio kitchen. We just went to two estate sales and are…
Congratulations to the 2018 AFS Reel Life Winners: The Lounibos Family, who will be reuniting with their host daughter, Lison,…
Thirteen Greater Charlotte families welcomed a new son or daughter this week into their homes. Not babies, however. They are…
It all started in 1962, with a phone call to the Rayner family. Someone from their local high school in…
In October 2017, Deniz Kaarayan, a former AFS international exchange student from Turkey, flew to Chapel Hill on her way…
Hello! My name is Aqsa and I currently live in the Pacific Northwest as an AFS Exchange Student. I came…
Becoming “mom” and “dad” to an exchange student After a friend of theirs decided to host an AFS Exchange Student,…
The Dordal/Boyd family from Olympia, Washington was excited to reunite this summer with their former exchange student, Gamze from Turkey.…
“The differences are what make us stronger.” Over the past few years, Deb C. and her family have enjoyed broadening…
When Philip was an exchange student from Ghana, he was hosted by the Grace family in California during the 2016-17…
Each year since 1947, AFS Host Families volunteer for the unique and exciting experience of hosting an AFS Exchange Student…
Summer is the perfect time to get together with your friends and neighbors and try new recipes! We’ve picked some…
November 7, 2016 – Maddy K. spent her AFS year in Germany as a recipient of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship funded…
While food culture and eating habits are different around the world, people everywhere love to enjoy a good meal. When…
For James and Karen Graham, hosting an international exchange student with AFS has been a way to explore new cultures…
