The AFS Exchange

Cheerleader, Coach, and Confidant: The Role of a Liaison

Season 6, Episode 4
Welcome back to The AFS Exchange! We are continuing our series highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our dedicated volunteers.

While the host family provides the home and the school provides the education, the liaison provides the bridge. This unique role is the “third party” support system that ensures communication stays clear, expectations are met, and cultural hurdles are cleared for students and families throughout the exchange program. This is actually part of what sets AFS apart from other student exchange organizations — the 24/7 volunteer and staff support and a dedicated volunteer liaison for each student and host family.

In this episode, we’re joined by an experienced AFS-USA volunteer, Kayla Resnick. Kayla has been a liaison for many years and shares what it’s like to be an emotional cheerleader for students, how she navigates late-night logistics, and why the local volunteer network is a liaison’s greatest support system. She explains why this role is vital for student success, and how being the “steady hand” on the sidelines is key to a fulfilling program.

Season 5 of The AFS Exchange invites listeners on a journey through the real-life experiences that shape global citizens. Across the season, we meet exchange students discovering themselves through new school activities and community connections, explore how host families and short-term stays create deep bonds, and hear from alumni whose exchange year continues to influence their lives long after they returned home. The season also pays tribute to the legacy and impact of AFS volunteers — from the organization’s origins to today’s award-winning contributors — and offers practical insights for navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding support during an exchange. Whether through inspiring stories, veteran perspectives, or actionable advice for students, families, and volunteers, Season 5 celebrates the transformative power of intercultural exchange.

Season 4 of the AFS Exchange podcast shares stories centered on the profound impact of international exchange, largely through the lens of host families, students, and volunteers. Highlights include glimpses into the lives of host families like Justin and Chad, who’ve cultivated a “global family,” and Keith and Doug, sharing their experiences with a Danish host son, alongside explorations of how “only children” adapt to newfound host siblings. The season also features inspiring individual journeys, such as Kakeru’s story of overcoming barriers and Diarra’s exchange from Senegal to Seattle, while celebrating the vital contributions of AFS volunteers and encapsulating the spirit of connection from the 2024 AFS-USA Summit. Additionally, the season touches on historical and social impacts with a powerful narrative from the Apartheid era and showcases the transformative power of study abroad through the experiences of returnees from various countries.

This season delves into a wide array of inspiring stories and impactful experiences, highlighting the diverse ways AFS programs shape lives and foster global citizenship. The season explores the daily realities of exchange students in the U.S., provides insights into what it means to be an AFS host parent, and examines the broader positive influence of exchange students within school communities. It also features a series dedicated to celebrating 75 years of exchange, spotlighting the transformative journeys of AFS alumni like Jim Kiernan, Dana Rutson and her family, Dave Schrader, and Fen Namwat, alongside discussions on becoming a global citizen in countries like Paraguay. Furthermore, the season shines a light on significant contributions, including conversations with AFS-USA’s Global Awards Winners, the life-changing impact of AFS-USA scholarships, and inspiring accounts from host siblings and families. Memorable episodes also include the unforgettable experience of AFS participants in Cyprus in 1974, the enduring legacy of AFS in individuals like Dr. Rich Besser, the power of global competence in the classroom, and unique stories such as the Hummel family’s journey as TikTok-famous host parents.

Season two of The AFS Exchange podcast delves into the various facets and positive impacts of AFS-USA’s exchange programs, highlighting the significant role exchange students play in schools. The season also sheds light on the dedication of AFS Host Parents through conversations with those in the D.C. and Dallas areas. Season two episodes also offer perspectives from three exchange students from Germany, Sweden, and Austria as they recount their experiences living with host families and attending high school in the U.S. The season concludes with a focus on recognition, showcasing conversations with the 2022 Global Awards winners, including Josh Amstutz, recipient of the Global Educator Award, and Oconomowoc High School, honored with the Global School Award.

This first season of The AFS Exchange podcast lays the groundwork for the series by sharing unique and impactful stories related to the AFS experience. This initial season features a “Lifelong AFSer” like Kim from Wisconsin, who has engaged with AFS as a host sibling, parent, and participant, offering insights and tips. It highlights the value of international exchange within educational settings by interviewing “AFS School Champions” – high school administrators – who welcome exchange students into their communities. The season also delves into personal histories, including an interview with Nico, an AFS returnee whose journey was inspired by his mother’s own exchange, and an interview with Steve Riford, an AFS Ambulance Driver from WWII, providing a glimpse into the organization’s rich past. Practical advice for new participants is shared in “Advice from Us to You,” while “26.2 Miles to France” chronicles the unique experience of an AFS returnee to France.