In the next week, our region is accepting high school foreign exchange students primarily from Europe, but elsewhere as well. It's a great exposure for students from other countries and locals alike. Also, there are wonderful opportunities for our students to go abroad. Foreign exchange programs promote peace, understanding and lifetime friendships are formed. My wife and I have been active in the AFS program for quite a number of years both sending one of our children overseas but also accepting students. It's a very solid program with good support. Similarly, Rotary also has a foreign exchange program. So, consider learning more, become a volunteer, host family, etc. Please note, in contrast to the above programs, there are commercial ones (families receive payments for hosting) that exist, although the underlying profit motive is a significant negative aspect.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Great programs! My daughter did a "gap year" between high school and college as an AFS exchange student (college just deferred her entrance) -- I highly recommend!!
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
I've actually been wanting to do this since we moved back to the US last year (as long as we can host an Italian student!) but have no idea where or how to even get started. Any advice or recommendations?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
After I'd left home, but while my younger brother and sister were home, my parents hosted a Peruvian student. We're still in touch with Julio all these years later. I think that all of UP probably remembers the Peruvian Maniac whipping down Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain MI. He had a hard time figuring out how to turn!
It truly is a wonderful experience. My parents got involved with AFS long before any of us kids were in High School. Of course, the minute we were in HS we joined AFS!
Pam
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
After I'd left home, but while my younger brother and sister were home, my parents hosted a Peruvian student. We're still in touch with Julio all these years later. I think that all of UP probably remembers the Peruvian Maniac whipping down Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain MI. He had a hard time figuring out how to turn!
It truly is a wonderful experience. My parents got involved with AFS long before any of us kids were in High School. Of course, the minute we were in HS we joined AFS!
Pam
Posted by
OP
2539 posts
To consider hosting a foreign exchange high school student, see http://www.afsusa.org/host-family