Are you interested in becoming a Host Family but you still have a lot of questions? Here is a list of questions and answers that may help you understand the program better.
Is Our Family suitable?
Yes, if you are interested in people and desire to make our world a better place!
AFS host families are diverse.
Host families can be:
Large or small
Young or old
A couple with children of any age
A couple with no children
A single person with children
Students are required to have their own bed, not their own room.
All you need is a warm heart and the desire to learn and share; a sense of humour; and, flexibility and patience.
Where do AFS students come from?
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Turkey and USA. Students are between 15 and 18 years old.
What makes a good host family?
The most important quality of a host family is to be open-minded and welcoming to a new member of the family! Flexibility, understanding, patience are needed.
How does AFS make a placement?
Many considerations go into making an AFS placement. AFS strives to match preferences (hobbies, activities, family and student personality.) All members of the host family are interviewed to understand the family’s lifestyle. Host families may choose the gender of the student. AFS is also looking for short-term host families. When permanent families go on vacation or we need to make temporary move, hosting short-term is an excellent opportunity to see if your family is ready for a year-long experience.
What are host families responsible for?
Host families are responsible for providing most meals and accommodation. Meals should be the same as what is provided for your own children. An AFS student can share a bedroom. There is no need to provide a separate room for students, however a separate bed is required. As a non-profit organization, AFS cannot provide financial subsidy to host families.
What is AFS responsible for?
AFS is responsible for covering the cost of school fees, schoolbooks, school lunch, transportation to and from school, orientation, medical expenses, compulsory AFS and school activities, AFS is responsible for the welfare and safely of the students. AFS volunteers keep in close contact with host families and students throughout they year to support them when necessary.
What are students responsible for?
AFS students are responsible for their school uniform, school shoes, eye care, dental care, long distance phone calls and pocket money.