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Host Family Experiences

Why Host an Exchange Student During COVID
Blog, Host Family Articles

Why Host an Exchange Student During COVID

Just about a year ago the world changed in ways we never expected and with those changes came a new hosting experience. At a time like this many ask themselves…

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Host Family Articles

A host sister’s perspective – Gaining a sister and an open mind

My family's experience hosting a foreign exchange student has helped shape who I am today.

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Host Family Articles

Far Fewer than Six Degrees of Separation

On a trip to Italy, U.S. Host Parents Gayle and Randy discover what a small world it can be when you're part of the AFS community.

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Host Family Articles

Welcoming a Host Daughter, Gaining a Friend: An Interview with Emily Humphrey

Emily Humphrey shares the heartwarming story of her relationship with her host daughter Lulu, the power of the #AFSEffect, and the value of intercultural learning.

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Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles

An Interview with AFS Host Parent, Sheri Belton-Gonzalez

Sheri is a shining example of a global citizen with an enthusiasm for intercultural exchange. A study abroad student herself, she made it a point to leave her small town…

Hosting with Pride Blog
Blog, LGBTQ+ Pride Articles, Host Family Articles

Hosting with Pride: An Interview with Six-Time AFS Host Parent and Volunteer, Jerry Gulley

Jerry Gulley grew up in a small town in rural Tennessee. In high school, his best friend’s family decided to host an exchange student, Lisi from Austria in 1985. While…

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Blog, Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Educators Articles, Alumni Articles

Coming Home: An Interview with AFS Alum, Stephen Zhang (China to U.S., ’07-’08)

In high school, Stephen Zhang knew he was ready for something new. He wondered what it would be like to start a new life beyond the comforts of his routine…

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Blog, LGBTQ+ Pride Articles, Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Educators Articles, Alumni Articles

LGBTQ+ Pride Across Cultures: An Interview with AFS Returnee and Senior Staff, Melvin Harmon

Melvin Harmon has been involved with and dedicated to student exchange since 1980, starting with his own year abroad in Malaysia. Inspired by the life-changing nature of his experience, he…

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Blog, Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Volunteer Articles, Educators Articles, Impact Articles, Alumni Articles

My Multigenerational AFS Family

It’s 2018 and I’m sitting in my grandmother’s sunny Ohio kitchen. We just went to two estate sales and are on our way to a quilting expo. She’s a consummate…

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Contact Us

Telephone:
1 800 AFS-INFO

Address:
120 Wall Street
Floor 4
New York, NY 10005

About AFS

AFS programs foster transformation that lasts a lifetime. Today’s exchange students are tomorrow’s changemakers: diplomats; thought leaders; influencers in the international business and non-profit communities. Every new exchange student is another global citizen in progress—an individual primed to help build a more just and peaceful world.

And the impact doesn’t stop with the students. Host families’ lives are transformed by new members from across the globe and host communities gain greater cultural diversity. That’s THE AFS EFFECT.

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