Host Families
Why host With AFS
506 SW 6th Avenue,
2nd Floor
Portland, OR
97204-1523

Tel: 800-AFS-INFO

Fax: 503-241-1653     
Email: afsinfo@afs.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Would you like to add a new member to your family? Host a student  with the most experienced
international high school exchange program in the world and build a relationship that will last a lifetime!
 Since 1947, AFS has matched high school students from all over the world who are eager to learn
about US culture, language and lifestyle with US families who want to open their homes and hearts to
them.
The reasons for hosting and the benefits of doing so are as many and as varied as the thousands of
people who host.  One thing is certain - all who host soon realize they receive far more than they give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested?  Want to learn more?
  • Contact the AFS Info Center, or call 1-800-AFS-INFO to request a free brochure and
    application.
Why Host With AFS?
AFS has a global network like no other intercultural exchange program! The process begins in the
student's home country with thorough screening.  Once a student is accepted into the AFS program, he
or she is carefully matched with a host family.  AFS offers ongoing, personal attention to families and
students.  Through an extensive network of volunteers worldwide - AFS alumni, students, their parents,
former host families, and educators - host families and students receive the guidance, advice, and
support they need.  Volunteers are supported by staff in Regional Service Centers that provide
additional resources for host families and students 24 hours a day.  Each student and family is
assigned a liaison, a local volunteer who is the family's and student's first line of communication.  AFS
volunteers maintain regular contact with the host family, school, and student.  They provide various
orientations for students and their host families.  Social events during the year provide opportunities to
meet other people involved with AFS.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who can be an AFS host family?
There are many different types of host families as there are family situations!  Two-parent households
with young children or teenagers, single-parent families, families who have adopted children, foster
parents,  and couples or single people who do not have children or have grown children, all have
something to offer an AFS student.  The ideal host family is one that provides a safe and loving home
environment with members who want to share their lives with a student from another country.
[top]
What are host families expected to provide?
You supply love, moral support, comfort, and basic needs, just as you would for a child of your own.  The
student brings his or her own spending money.  Outside of that, the cost to you depends upon a number
of factors, including your family's lifestyle and customary level of expenditure.
[top]
Who pays medical expenses and who serves as guardians?
AFS students come to you with their own medical coverage, some of it provided by AFS, and there is a
24-hour support line to deal with any medical emergencies.  AFS is the student's official sponsor, which
means students in the U.S. are on J-1 high school visas.  A student's natural family continues to be as
his or her legal guardian.
[top]
How long do students live with host families?
You will wish it were longer when the time comes to say good-bye!  Year program students stay for
approximately 11 months; semester students for six months.  Irrespective of how long you choose to
host, you'll find that most AFS students and families become "families for life."
[top]
When do students arrive?
Most students arrive in August, and a small group of students arrives in January.  You will receive an
approximate arrival date when your student's placement is confirmed, and more specific information
closer to the arrival date.
[top]
When do students leave?
Students usually leave at the end of June, or the beginning of July.  You will usually know the date of the
End-of-Stay Orientation by the time your student arrives.
[top]
What if we have a vacation planned and cannot accommodate our hosted student?
AFS urges hosts to share as many family experiences as possible.  If you already have plans that will
not accommodate another person, your local volunteer will assist in making alternate arrangements for
your student.
[top]
What happens if we do not get along?
If the placement does not work out satisfactorily, AFS assumes responsibility for placing the student
with another family.  Each year, through no one's fault, some students and families prove incompatible.  
Many of these conflicts are caused by cultural misunderstandings which AFS community volunteers are
experienced in handling.  They will provide guidance and support to both the student and the family.  If
conflicts remain unresolved, volunteers will take responsibility for a new placement.
[top]
Silver & Gold Home | About AFS  | News and Events  | Exchange Students  | Host Families  | Related Links
 | Pictures
Please send your comments or suggestions to AFS Silver and Gold Area