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Welcome to the September edition!
As the President of AFS-USA, I continue to be deeply moved by the incredible journeys made possible through the unique bond between host families and exchange students. I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for opening your homes and hearts to embark on this transformative path - whether it’s your first time or one of many students you’ve hosted.
Hosting an AFS student is a remarkable experience; it’s one filled with incredible rewards as well as occasional challenges. Every moment, whether a joyous shared milestone or a hurdle overcome together, plays a vital role in the profound educational and personal growth that defines all AFS programs. It is often by working through these moments of difficulty that the deepest understanding and most lasting connections take root, leaving a lifelong impact on both your family and your hosted student.
As you step into this experience, please remember that you have a dedicated support system behind you. AFS-USA’s network of staff and volunteers are here every step of the way with guidance, resources, and advice. You can also explore our archive of past newsletters for tips and insights to help ensure your hosting journey goes smoothly.
I look forward to seeing the wonderful stories, lifelong friendships, and positive global impact that will emerge from your home in the coming months.
 With warmest regards and gratitude,
Tara Hofmann
President, AFS-USA
P.S. Throughout the year, we actively seek host families for students who’ve already arrived or will arrive in the future - whether that involves a few days up to a full school year. If you know anyone who would be a wonderful host family, please share this newsletter or have them reach out to us directly at hosting@afsusa.org.
Explore these Newsletter Highlights
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Do you wish you had a crystal ball? Sarah and Muhammed share a glimpse of what your first two months of hosting might look like, including watching your student(s) step outside their comfort zone in a new culture.
“What I’ve learned is that cultures are different, but humanity, like the essence of it, seems to be pretty universal” – Sarah, repeat host mom and volunteer from Maryland
“Just try to experience everything, even if you’re scared, just do it. It’s worth it. I cannot express how much I love being here. It’s sort of the best moments of my life that I will never forget. It remains with me and I know I will look back to these days and say, oh man, I wish I could do that again.” - Muhammad, former YES student from Pakistan
Following a brief pause, the YES Program is returning to the U.S. for the Spring 2027 semester bringing high school students from Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kosova, Malaysia, North Macedonia, and Pakistan to communities across the country. The students will arrive in host communities on January 22, 2027, and will remain until June 14. If you’re interested in hosting another student for this special semester version of the YES program, please contact hosting@afsusa.org.
- It’s critical to truly listen (not multitask while listening) to the stories and tidbits that your student(s) share with you in the initial months. Actively listening to the little stuff that they feel comfortable sharing in the beginning helps them feel comfortable sharing the big stuff later.
- Remind your student(s) that “this is my first time…” and let them know that open communication is how you will both learn to navigate this new situation together and build trust. For example, this is my first time…
- …hosting an exchange student from (country)
- …with a child that has a cell phone
- …not being able to help a kiddo with challenging coursework
- Communicate with your local AFS student-family liaison early and often about your student's adjustment. By keeping an open line of communication with your experienced and trained liaison, you can work together to address any challenges which may arise.
If you are interested in your participant joining a trip opportunity with your family, please defer to the student’s liaison and team Support Coordinator, and they will guide you through the process of approving a trip outside of the host community. You can learn more about Participant Travel in the US by visiting Help and Learning.
If you don’t yet know the orientation schedule for your student(s), please reach out to your local volunteers for the details or read this article.
| Orientation |
When |
When |
| Online Host Family Orientation |
Before student arrival |
You can access this important set of online modules required by the Department of State via your AFS host family account.
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| In-Person Host Family Orientation |
Before student arrival |
An orientation for host families to learn more about the hosting experience, meet other host families and the local volunteers and ask questions. |
| Arrival Orientation |
Within a week of student arrival |
An orientation for students conducted by local volunteers to welcome students to the local AFS community, address any immediate concerns, reflect on first impressions and explore personal and educational goals. Resources on personal safety and support are also discussed. |
| Post Arrival Orientation |
6-8 weeks after student arrival |
This orientation is very important as it goes more in depth regarding early adjustment issues students often face. With a few weeks under their belts, students will have a good frame of reference for the school, host family, and community environment to participate in orientation discussions and activities. |
The first few days and weeks will be exciting, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming for your student(s). Cultural adjustment can look different for everyone. Some students may experience anxiety around language and struggle to understand what is going on around them. For some, there will just be some good old-fashioned homesickness or confusion around the way everyday things are done.
There will also be an adjustment for your family as you get used to having a new family member in the home. We encourage you to read these articles to help you better understand and cope with any cultural adjustment issues you may experience:
The best way to help your student(s) connect to their peers is to support their participation in school clubs, extracurricular activities, and athletics. Encourage them to attend a club/extracurricular fair at school and explore the school’s website to see all offerings while setting realistic expectations about their time and ability to participate in all aspects of their program.
If something sounds interesting, ask your student(s) to communicate with the sponsor or coach to ensure that everyone understands how to sign up and what financial and time commitments are involved. To learn more about helping your AFS student(s) connect and other important school topics, read this Help & Learning for Host Families article. Not enrolled in school yet? Learn more here!
Do you remember transitioning into high school and what it was like to make friends? Now, imagine doing that but in a different culture and language. It’s normal to take a few weeks or longer for students to make friends at their school. Timing can vary based on a variety of factors: individual personality, cultural norms, language level, and the characteristics of the host community.
To set yourself up for success, check out this Help & Learning for Host Families article for specific tips and questions you can ask your student to help create a healthy social life. Each student’s experience will be unique so it’s important not to compare them with others.
In the U.S., we express gratitude frequently, often emphatically: “You’re awesome!”, “You’re the best!” But many other cultures do not express gratitude so overtly. It may feel unnecessary, too formal, or even offensive to thank close family members. Gratitude may be implied simply by the closeness of the relationship. These cultural differences around such an emotive topic can sometimes cause unintended friction between a host family and their exchange student(s).
We encourage you to have a conversation with your student(s) to talk about their expectations, how their family expresses gratitude, and how gratitude is shown in their culture. Here are some fun gratitude related activities to do with your student(s) on World Gratitude Day, September 21.
On occasion, exchange students may find themselves experiencing intolerance or prejudice, whether at school or in the community. It can be hard for them to know how to address the situation, especially in a new culture and environment, so being able to talk to their host family and volunteers is essential. On Help & Learning for Host Families, you can find thoughtful best practices and action steps that you can use to support your student(s) should they encounter prejudice, intolerance, or bullying.
September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us to be proactive in talking about our plans for the potential occurrence of disasters and emergencies. Prepare with your student by talking with them about what to do in a variety of situations by reviewing the AFS Host Family and Student Questionnaire.
In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of local and state authorities and always notify your local AFS-USA student-family liaison (or, in case the liaison is not available, another volunteer or AFS-USA Staff). In doing so, we can ensure that important information is communicated immediately to the AFS Office staff in your hosted student’s home country and in the case of a medical emergency, obtain written authorization for treatment or surgery if needed. Check out these articles for more details:
Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults? Suicidal thoughts can plague anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. In working together to save lives and create healthy spaces for people to thrive, we can all play a role in prevention. Check out this CDC article for additional resources.
If you have any concerns about the mental or emotional well-being of your host student(s), please contact your local AFS-USA student-family liaison immediately and see this Help & Learning for Host Families article for more comprehensive information.
Are you curious about German culture and food? Check out these delicious recipes that you can cook with your student(s).
Or if cooking’s not your forte, you can learn more about German life here!
In case you missed it, here is the September FLEX Newsletter that was sent out on September 1 to FLEX students and host families!
Also, each month throughout the academic year, the U.S. Department of State’s FLEX Program Officers select a FLEX Student of the Month. If you know of an outstanding FLEX student, please nominate them by September 11th to be in the running for October.
Have a minute to complete this three question survey? We appreciate your feedback to help craft content for future editions.
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