AFS Intercultural Programs has launched an urgent appeal, inviting compassionate families across the nation to open their homes and hearts to international students for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is a cornerstone of global understanding, fostering deep connections and facilitating invaluable cross-cultural learning experiences for both the students and their host communities.
Becoming a host family is more than just providing lodging; it is an opportunity to offer a safe, supportive, and culturally rich environment where young individuals can thrive. Host families serve as guides, mentors, and friends, helping students navigate daily life in a new country and immerse themselves fully in local customs and traditions.
For the host families themselves, the benefits are profound and far-reaching. Welcoming an international student introduces new perspectives into the household, enriches family dynamics, and offers a unique chance to engage in intercultural exchange right at home. Many families report experiencing significant personal growth and developing lasting bonds that extend well beyond the exchange period.
The incoming students, hailing from diverse backgrounds worldwide, are eager to experience American life firsthand, enhance their English language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of U.S. society and education. They are seeking genuine cultural immersion, not just academic pursuits, making the role of host families absolutely crucial to their transformative journey.
AFS Intercultural Programs provides comprehensive support to both students and host families throughout the entire duration of the student programs. This includes pre-arrival orientations, ongoing local support from dedicated AFS staff and volunteers, and access to a robust network of resources designed to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for everyone involved.
The impact of these global education initiatives extends beyond individual families, contributing significantly to community enrichment. By facilitating intercultural exchange, AFS helps to build bridges of understanding, reduce cultural stereotypes, and prepare young people to become active, engaged global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
Families interested in making a profound difference in a young person’s life and experiencing the joy of cultural sharing are encouraged to learn more about this rewarding opportunity. Information sessions and detailed resources are readily available to guide prospective hosts through the simple application process and answer any questions they may have about welcoming an international student.
This call for host families underscores the vital role that community engagement plays in youth development and fostering international goodwill. It is a unique chance to not only impact an individual student’s life but also to enrich your own family and contribute positively to the broader fabric of global understanding and cooperation. Join AFS in making a difference for the 2025-26 school year.
