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Welcome to the June edition!
Two years ago, we were in Finland, joyfully celebrating the wedding of our Finnish daughter. One year ago, she and her Swiss husband welcomed a daughter, Olivia—a Finnish granddaughter for us! Our 15-year relationship with Inka has truly added a new branch to our family tree, much like the enduring connections I have with some of my host siblings from the 1980s.
Not every exchange leads to a lifelong bond. Some relationships are brief, others more challenging, and some quietly fade over time. But every experience—no matter how long or smooth—has meaning. Each student we've hosted has brought something unique into our lives and has been changed in their own way by the journey. So have we.
Whether you're getting ready to welcome new student(s) or preparing to say goodbye, I commend your courage, hope, and openness. You are living proof that connection—at any level—matters.
I hope you’ll consider volunteering with AFS-USA, and continue helping students, families, and communities build a more peaceful, interconnected world.
Mary Jo Brock
Vice President, Host Family Experience & Stakeholder Engagement
P.S. Don’t forget to check out recent editions of the Global Family Newsletter for more tips and resources!
Explore These Newsletter Highlights
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What happens when young people from around the world come to the U.S. through exchange programs? They gain new perspectives. They build lifelong friendships. And sometimes—they find a second family. “I landed in the U.S. as a stranger, and I have left with a second family in another entire continent… They are part of who I am.” – Reem, AFS Alumna from Saudi Arabia
Watch “Alumni Voices” – a moving video featuring alumni from Nigeria, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Chile, sharing how their time in the U.S. shaped their lives forever.
Tip from a host family with siblings:
Set some expectations with the host siblings regarding what kinds of things might be different when the student(s) arrive, without it verging into the territory of too many expectations. Check out this episode of the AFS-USA podcast about host siblings and how some are experiencing becoming a sibling for the first time.
Tip from a student:
My host mother spent a lot of time with me from the time I first came. At first, I just wanted to stay in my room, but she called me every time, and we had lunch and dinner always together. She took me to all the interesting places in the town, and we made a good relationship quickly. We talk a lot about the differences in our countries and families and make jokes.
If you’re hosting this fall and don’t already have your team’s Pre-Arrival Host Family Orientation on your calendar, please contact your local volunteers for details. This important orientation is a chance to connect with local host families and volunteers, ask questions, and get tips and information to help you prepare for the hosting experience.
Read more about Host Family Orientations on Help & Learning for Host Families.
Do you have young children? Our new CBYX coloring and activity page shares the fun of hosting with little ones. Please find it here for printing!
Important International Travel Advisory
As the school year ends, many students and families may wish to travel before students return home. Participants and families may wish to reconsider pre-approved plans for the student(s) to travel outside of the US before returning home, as AFS-USA discourages international travel at this time.
As a reminder, AFS-USA has no control over whether a student can re-enter the US and would not be able to assist a student who is not granted re-entry to the U.S.
Did you know AFS-USA policy requires that when traveling, the student(s) sleep in a room separate from the host parent(s) or any adult? Learn more here about sleeping accommodations when traveling with your participant. We thank you for your cooperation in this regard and wish you fun and safe travels this summer!
Even if your student(s) don’t think they need a transcript, we recommend obtaining at least an unofficial copy before departure.
Here’s why:
- Schools close for the summer and are generally unavailable until the next school year starts.
- It can be a hassle to mail the student’s original copy, and many times E-transcripts without an official stamp or watermark may not be accepted in a student’s home country.
- It’s easier to support your student(s) now while you are still connected with their school as a host parent.
Check out this article for more information on navigating the transcript or end of year process.
Local volunteers will administer a Departure and Logistics Webinar for CORE and CBYX students 7-10 days prior to departure (if they haven’t already!) to review travel prep, logistics, emergency contacts, and best practices.
Please ensure your student(s) have and understand their travel details and have the contact information for the Area Team Travel Rep and/or airport check-in volunteer.
YES or FLEX students will receive separate information with their departure details from Sponsored Programs staff.
Please print out this important Departure Day Reminders document.
One meaningful end-of-year activity is inviting your student(s) to write a letter to a future participant who may be hosted in your community. While it is not a program requirement, it can be a great way for students to reflect on their exchange experience.
The letter could include why they chose exchange, highlights and challenges from their time in the U.S., what they learned, and a few “pro tips” for future students. They can leave the letter for a future participant, keep it as a memento, or both!
As the program comes to a close, you and your student(s) may be experiencing many emotions. As your hosting journey winds down:
- Discuss plans for the rest of the year and how you’ll stay in touch after they return home.
- Reflect on what you’ve shared and learned together.
- Meet with your local AFS student-family liaison before departure, especially if you’ve noticed concerning changes in your student(s)’ behavior.
Have you started talking with your host student(s) about returning home and saying goodbye? Just like many students experience Culture Shock when they arrive, they often experience similar feelings when readjusting to life back home—this is called Reverse Culture Shock. Host families may also go through an adjustment period after their student(s) depart. Read the related Help & Learning article on navigating Reverse Culture Shock and saying goodbye for more resources.
“The hardest part of hosting a foreign exchange student is how fast the year goes.”
Click here to view a heartwarming post from an AFS-USA Host Mom.
On behalf of the YES and FLEX team at AFS-USA, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for hosting a YES or FLEX student this year. Because of your commitment and generosity, your student has returned home with countless unforgettable memories and a broader, more global perspective.
If you're interested in hosting another amazing student coming to the U.S., or know someone who might be, we encourage you to reach out to us at hosting@afsusa.org.
Thank you once again for being such an important part of the YES and FLEX program.
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