What it’s Like to Host an Exchange Student from the Middle East
For James and Karen Graham, hosting an international exchange student with AFS has been a way to explore new cultures…
Author: gmingione
3 Commonly-Asked Questions About Hosting Exchange Students…Answered!
This post was written by Michelle Kulas, an AFS Host Parent. Here it is, the day that my family has…
20 Fun Activities for you and your Exchange Student
Whether you’re hosting a high school exchange student or your relatives from abroad are visiting, these quintessential American activities are…
AFS Welcome Families make a world of difference
What is a welcome family? A welcome family provides a home and a warm welcome for a student for approximately…
How hosting an exchange student kept me sane after study abroad
AFS/YES Abroad exchange student, Carly, during her study abroad year in Indonesia. Hosting an AFS exchange student from Germany has…
Words of Wisdom from 2017-2018 AFS Exchange Students
May 2018 — This past mid-May, dozens of exchange students across the Carolinas spent a few hours together to consider…
One family says “Welcome back!” to their AFS Exchange Student
The Dordal/Boyd family from Olympia, Washington was excited to reunite with their former exchange student, Gamze from Turkey. Despite the…
How to Enrich Your Family by Hosting
After a friend of theirs decided to host an AFS Exchange Student, Margaret and Matthew C. from Michigan were curious…
Exchange student leaves behind legacy in Wisconsin
Moving to an American town 6,000 miles from home might leave a teenager shy or timid. But not Maryse, an…
Movies from Around the World
For the newest installment in our…From Around the World series, we delve into movies recommended by our hosted students from…
TV Shows from Around the World
For the next post in our…From Around the World series, we explore favorite TV shows recommended by our recent hosted…
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,…
An Interview with AFS Alumna, Amanda Sawyer (U.S. to Spain, 2018-19)
When Amanda first decided to study abroad, her main goal was to learn Spanish. What she didn’t realize was how…
Advice & Resources for Black Students Abroad
We know that being black abroad comes with unique challenges. You may encounter different forms of racism and colorism or…
Returnee Spotlight: Marcio A. da Fonseca
It’s no secret that AFSers go on to do extraordinary things. Marcio A. da Fonseca is no different. Marcio, an…
Breakfast from Around the World
For the second installment of our …From Around the World series, we dig into food! Or, more specifically, breakfast. We…
Stories: The Lopez-Jones Family
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can…
Matthew van Steenwyck
Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Longbow Technology Ventures Sending Parent Matthew van Steenwyck, known as Matt, is the Managing…
Elita Hawley Scholarship
$30,000 in study abroad scholarships for students from Central California counties.