Become an AFS Exchange Student

Connecting Lives, Sharing Cultures

Become an AFS Exchange Student!

Programs from 4 weeks to 11 months in over 50 destinations.

www.afs.org.au | 1300 131 736

Hello and welcome to AFS My name is Reg Smith and I would like to introduce myself as the Chair of the Board of AFS Intercultural Programs, Australia. My relationship with AFS began in 1968 when my school Principal called me in to introduce the opportunity of a year-long high school exchange abroad. Some months later I was embarking on a journey of a lifetime: spending time getting to know another culture, learning a new language and living with a family that I would later call my own. Facing the daily challenges of being immersed in another culture gave me skills that are invaluable to me in both my professional and personal life, and I gained a world view that only the experience of living in another culture can provide.

AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental and non-profit organisation. Our mission is to provide Intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. In 2015, AFS was recognised for its commitment and progress in pursuing this mission, when it became an official partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

AFS has 60 years of experience in international education with programs in more than 50 countries. In Australia, AFS has operated for more than 50 years and over 10,000 Australians have studied abroad through AFS with a further 10,000 overseas students hosted in Australia since 1952. Being an AFS exchange student is an opportunity to study abroad with one of the most valued, reputable and experienced leaders of high school student exchange in the world, and we pride ourselves on being a world leader in student Intercultural programs. Our programs

provide a unique opportunity for young people to develop global competencies, intercultural understanding, and language skills, which will serve them in both their academic, professional and personal lives.

At AFS we believe that living and studying abroad will prepare interested teenagers and young adults for the future in ways that no other educational experience can. Through immersion in a foreign culture, AFS participants expand their perspective and learn more about themselves in the process.

Exchange programs build maturity as participants become more self-reliant and confident in their own abilities.

By experiencing another culture as an outsider, participants gain a deeper understanding of the world and take steps towards becoming responsible global citizens. Participants also develop vital skills for the future, such as fluency in another language, which can provide a competitive advantage when applying for university or in the workforce.

What sets AFS apart from other exchange organisations is a tremendous belief in volunteerism and community development. AFS participants not only travel and go to school in their host countries, but they become part of the community where they are hosted. Thinking globally and acting locally is what moves our participants.

AFS also provides a support network of 40,000 volunteers in 70 countries.

Our volunteers are former participants, former host families, school teachers and principals, people that believe that connecting lives and sharing cultures is the best way to provide our youth with formative global skills that can only be achieved through a qualitative experience abroad. AFS has a unique framework of preparation, orientation

and counselling before, during and after the experience that helps the participants to gain fluency in the host culture and become critical thinkers.

Every year, hundreds of students from Australia participate in AFS programs and embark on the experience of a lifetime, thanks to the support and encouragement of their families, their schools, and their communities, who appreciate the lifelong learning opportunity AFS programs present.

We know that not all students have the chance to go abroad due to financial constraints, which is why we are proud to be the only student exchange organisation to be sponsored by corporate and community partners who also believe in our mission and the students we send abroad. Each year, AFS offers a large number of both partial and full scholarships to help make our programs available to students from all socio-economic backgrounds.

In this brochure, you will find information regarding the history of AFS, our programs and destinations, the benefits of studying abroad, the educational outcomes, and details on program health and safety. We trust you will find this informative and that it will give you a better understanding of our organisation and our mission. If you have any questions we are always happy to help.

We look forward to speaking with you further about the life-changing experiences that are available with an AFS program.

Yours sincerely

Reg Smith Board Chair, AFS Australia

Partnerships, Alliances and Sponsors Member of:

Partners with:

Corporate scholarship sponsors:

AFSers are changing the World

AFS provides every person involved in it with opportunities to break down the barriers that divide our world. The American Field Service – now known as AFS Intercultural Programs – began as an ambulance service on the battlefields of WWI. It has always been a not for profit, volunteer organisation.

Since 1947, AFS volunteers and staff have supported and developed our dream of building a more just and peaceful world through worldwide exchange programs, mostly focused on high school age students.

Every year AFS Australia provides opportunities for hundreds of young people to live for a few weeks to a whole year in another country, where they are immersed in a different culture, living with host families and attending local high schools.

These intercultural learning opportunities change people’s lives. Immersion in another culture challenges our own cultural values – “the software of our minds”. The personal growth and learning that results for both hosted students and their new families is often more profound and long-lasting. Students gain increased maturity and skills, which make them more successful in their academic and working lives than their peers.

AFS program participants – families and students – regularly sum up their AFS experience by saying “It changed my life!”

AFS in Australia AFS Australia is one of over 50 AFS partner organisations around the world. We are the leader in intercultural learning and offer exchange programs in more than 57 countries through AFS run and facilitated programs. Each of our destinations has a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and is lead by a volunteer board.

AFS has been exchanging students throughout the world for over 55 years here in Australia, and over 68 years worldwide. That’s over five decades in Australia and almost seven decades worldwide of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

Student exchange programs in Australia are regulated by Departments of Education and relevant qualification authorities.

AFS Australia is a registered student exchange organisation in all states and territories, and abides by the National Guidelines for the Operation of International Student Exchange Programs in Australia.

The Core Values & Attributes of AFS AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.

AFS Mission AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

Top 6 reasons to study abroad

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for students, opening their eyes to different ways of life and promoting understanding and tolerance through the development of meaningful and lasting intercultural connections.

Research shows that students who study abroad excel in their studies, gain more confidence, and that the experience can have a far-reaching impact on their personal, academic and professional lives.

Here are our top six reasons to take up the opportunity and study abroad with AFS…

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Stand out from the crowd

Develop intercultural and global competencies

Learn a language

International experience is a critical and impressive part of any resume.

Employers today value globallycompetent employees, and actively recruit people with international study experience and foreign language skills. Through an employer’s eyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges, and able to cope with diverse problems and situations.

Your experience living and studying in a foreign country, negotiating another culture, and acquiring another language will set you apart from the majority of other job applicants.

Possessing intercultural and global competencies is becoming increasingly important in our personal, academic and professional lives. A cultural immersion experience with AFS results in students who are more culturally sensitive and globally aware, are able to understand different cultural contexts and viewpoints, and with the skills to navigate and manage a wide range of cultural situations. These attributes allow students to better understand and work with others now and into their future.

There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning. Your daily interactions and conversations expose you to proper context, grammar, and usage, and language learning happens most quickly under these circumstances. Eventually, you will think and dream in your foreign language! Your ability to speak a second (or third) language is a life and job skill that is in high demand!

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Experience another culture

Learn about yourself

A world of opportunity

Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting can be daunting at first, but it’s also exciting. It’s an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter situations that are wholly unfamiliar to you and will learn to adapt and respond in effective ways that can be transferred to other parts of your life.

During your time abroad, you will be exposed to countless different experiences that may influence the rest of your life. Some students end up changing their planned academic or career path as a result of the new things they learn from being abroad.

Others discover a newfound passion for travel, decide they want to work abroad, or a desire to learn a new language. After studying abroad, you may find your travels have had a profound influence on your career and personal goals.

Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, and personal habits. A person’s culture reflects very deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence their way of life and the way that they views the world. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from, and return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples.

Which program is for me?

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Student Exchange Programs The AFS Semester & Year Student Exchange Programs offer you a great opportunity to live and study in another country for a period of 5 to 11 months.

On the AFS Student Exchange program you’ll be provided with an exceptional intercultural experience.

This program will suit you if you’re really wanting to learn a new language, and become part of a local community.

Intensive Programs The AFS Intensive Program is perfect for you if you are wanting to improve your language skills and experience a local culture for a period of between 4 to 8 weeks.

You won’t be a tourist. You’ll live like a local, and get a genuine taste for local life. You’ll be treated as one of the family and you’ll get great support from AFS. Turn the page to see where you can go and what programs are on offer.

The best part of my experience here, and of any of my experiences with AFS, is making friends in every corner of the world. Some of the best friends you’ll ever have are the ones you meet through AFS. Jeremy - AFSer to Costa Rica

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AFS has a range of different programs to choose from.

No matter if you’re a high school student or a recent high school graduate looking for an authentic overseas experience AFS has a program to suit you, and with more than 50 countries the opportunities with AFS are almost unlimited.

A C N E R E H W

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O G YOU ICELAND

CANADA

AFS has over 50 destinations to choose from on a range of life changing programs

USA

MEXICO

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GUATEMALA HONDURAS

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S

Y

INTENSIVE 4-8 WEEKS

PANAMA VENEZUELA

COLOMBIA ECUADOR

SEMESTER SCHOOL 5-6 MONTHS

BRAZIL

PERU

YEAR SCHOOL 11-12 MONTHS

BOLIVIA CHILE

ARGENTINA

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S

Y

AUSTRIA

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S

Y

CZECH REPUBLIC

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Y

BELGIUM FLANDERS

Y

DENMARK

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Y

BELGIUM FRENCH

Y

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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Y

Y

ECUADOR

Y

EGYPT

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S

Y

Y

FINLAND

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S

Y

Y

FRANCE

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S

Y

S

Y

GERMANY

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S

Y

INDONESIA

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Y

GHANA

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S

Y

IRELAND

S

Y

HONDURAS

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Y

ITALY

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S

Y

S

Y

HONG KONG

Y

JAPAN

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S

Y

Y

HUNGARY

Y

KENYA

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ICELAND

Y

LATVIA

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S

Y

INDIA

Y

BOLIVIA

S

BOSNIA BRAZIL

S

CANADA CHILE CHINA

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COLOMBIA COSTA RICA CROATIA

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ARGENTINA

Y

I

S

Y S

RUSSIA

SWEDEN FINLAND NORWAY LATVIA

DENMARK NETHERLANDS

GERMANY

POLAND CZECH REPUBLIC

BELGIUM FLANDERS BELGIUM FRENCH

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY CROATIA

SWITZERLAND SLOVENIA

FRANCE

BOSNIA SERBIA

SPAIN PORTUGAL

ITALY

JAPAN

SOUTH KOREA

TURKEY

CHINA

TUNISIA

EGYPT

INDIA

HONG KONG

THAILAND PHILIPPINES

GHANA MALAYSIA

KENYA

AFS

INDONESIA

A global community • 50+ countries 44,000+ Active AFS Volunteers • 450,000+ Former AFS Participants •

SOUTH AFRICA

MALAYSIA

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MEXICO

S

Y

S

Y

NETHERLANDS

Y

NEW ZEALAND

Y

RUSSIA

Y

SERBIA

S

Y

SLOVAKIA

S

Y

SLOVENIA

Y

SOUTH AFRICA

Y

SOUTH KOREA

Y

SPAIN

Y

SWEDEN

S

NORWAY PANAMA PARAGUAY

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PERU PHILIPPINES

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S

POLAND PORTUGAL

NEW ZEALAND

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S

SWITZERLAND

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Y Y

S

I

I

S

S

Y

THAILAND

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S

Y

Y

TURKEY

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Y

Y

UK

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Y

URUGUAY

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Y

Y

USA

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Y

Y

VENEZUELA

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Y

Y

Educational Goals & Intercultural Learning AFS is an educational organisation dedicated to providing enriched learning experiences that promote intercultural awareness, tolerance and communication. By providing immersive learning experiences in new environments combined with regular reflection and coaching opportunities, AFS helps participants build solid foundations for the future—whether in their academic careers, entry into the workforce or simply as responsible and tolerant members of the larger community.

The programs offered by AFS are focused on increasing intercultural competence: the ability to engage effectively and appropriately within different cultural settings, whether encountered locally or in an international setting. Using experiential and structured learning methods, both participants and host families have the chance to broaden their perspectives and learn from each other, developing their communication skills in the process. The result effect is solid preparation to live, work and lead in a diverse global society.

AFS’s educational program focuses on participants working toward the achievement of AFS Educational Goals and the following learning objectives:

Personal Realm • • • • •

Self awareness Creative thinking Critical thinking Motivation and self-confidence Defining self in terms of ideals and values

Interpersonal Realm • • • •

Empathy Flexibility and social skills Communication skills Commitment to others and contributing to the group

Cultural Realm • Building intercultural friendships • Cultural knowledge and awareness • Foreign language skills and nonverbal communication

Global Realm • Global concern: interest in and concern about world affairs and awareness of one’s choices on others • Global understanding: appreciation of cultural interdependence • Commitment to contributing to the world community Tolerance is critical to overcoming conflict. At the same time, we believe that real understanding of other cultures is important, and it is much more than just co-existing without conflict. It involves an acceptance, an adaptation, an appreciation of and an engagement in the other culture.

It means building real relationships of trust, respect and affection with people from other cultures.

Support, Health & Safety AFS has the utmost concern for the preparation, welfare, safety, and security of our participants. We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world since 1947 - and we have an exemplary record of safety, security and service.

Risk Management Students’ health and safety is the number one priority for AFS. As a global organisation, all AFS partners abide by the same Standards, Policies and Procedures, and are regulated and monitored by our parent body, AFS International. As such, AFS delivers a consistently high quality of programs and support to students and teachers worldwide.

In Australia, AFS is registered as an approved Student Exchange Organisation in every state and territory, and complies with the National Guidelines for the Operation of International Secondary Student Exchange Programs in Australia.

Host family screening and selection AFS strives to ensure that host families have a genuine interest in learning about another culture and sharing their own culture with a young person from another country, as well as being able to provide a nurturing, supportive environment for the student.

The AFS host family screening process (for outbound and inbound programs) consists of: • Criminal history checks in accordance with the National Guidelines for the Operation of International Secondary Student Exchange Programs in Australia • A comprehensive application form • An in-home interview • Reference checks • Host family orientation

Orientation The AFS Orientation Framework was developed to help participants and host families achieve greater intercultural awareness before, during and after the AFS experience.

The AFS orientation cycle provides

participants and host families with a framework for structured support and practical information. The educational value of AFS programs comes from the direct experience of the participants in their encounters with previously unfamiliar places and cultures. This methodology can be referred to as experiential learning, it involves engaging in new experiences and reflecting on this experience.

The participants and families then take this learning and apply it to their next intercultural encounter. The AFS Orientation Framework encourages the use of one’s intellectual abilities to understand these intercultural experiences in a larger context of intercultural education and global awareness.

Support AFS’s selection and preparation of students and families help to ensure they are as ready as possible for the intercultural experience. However, it is to be expected that any intercultural experience will involve a significant amount of adjustment and it is important that students have access to appropriate and experienced support during those times. Ongoing student and host family support throughout the program is central to AFS’s risk management strategy and is critical in identifying and addressing the various challenges that students or host families may face.

Regular support contact throughout the experience helps students and families clarify their thoughts and feelings in order to make clear decisions relevant to their relationship and the students’ adjustment within the hosting situation. Contact on a regular basis, rather than during a “crisis”, allows a rapport to develop between the support contact and the student. The support contact can then provide guidance that helps to clarify intercultural issues during the various phases of the experience and within the framework of ongoing orientation.

24/7 Emergency Support Every AFS partner has an emergency phone system that is manned at all times by staff who are trained in AFS emergency response procedures.

Should an emergency involving a student or their natural family eventuate during a program, AFS partners will be able to communicate with each other and with families, schools and volunteers via the emergency phone system.

Health insurance All AFS participants are covered by the AFS Medical Plan, a comprehensive health insurance plan which covers Medical Expenses of up to $1,000,000, Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses of up to $300,000 and Accidental Death Benefit of $10,000. Participants are covered for medical expenses relating to accidents and illnesses during their program, and in many cases on return home, should further medical treatment be required as the result of an accident or illness that occurred during their program.

Exceptions to the health cover include pre-existing conditions, general optical and dental (other than treatment required as the result of an accident), general physical examinations, vaccinations and immunisations.

Emergency evacuation procedures AFS has comprehensive procedures and protocols in place for dealing with emergency situations, as well as significant experience and proven expertise in the evacuation of students from the hosting country due to natural disasters, serious illness or accidents. We also have mechanisms in place to ensure students can return home as quickly as possible in the case of serious and life threatening illnesses within the natural family at home.

Evacuation and repatriation expenses of up to $300,000 are covered by the AFS Medical Plan, which is provided to participants on every AFS program.

Funding your AFS Program AFS AUSTRALIA ADMINISTRATION

As an AFSer, you will step outside your comfort zone, learn a new language, and become immersed in a new community—one of your first challenges may be figuring out how to pay for your program.

Here are some great strategies to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

AFS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

TRAVEL & INSURANCE

HOST COUNTRY SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATION

Scholarships AFS is proud to be able to offer more scholarships than any other Student Exchange Organisation and is supported by over 40 organisations and individuals, who come from all walks of life, and all parts of Australia.

Scholarships available vary and cover the program fee either full or partially. Scholarship recipients are selected on cultural awareness, community involvement and consistent academic achievement.

Visit www.afs.org.au/scholarships for more information on scholarships currently open and to find out how to apply. New opportunities become available throughout the year; please visit our website for the most up to date information.

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“Even more than the local scholarship, just knowing that others are behind me is a big encouragement. I know this will be a life-changing experience with unimaginable learning and growth. I truly hope that I can help others both when I am abroad and when I return.

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Katherine, $2,000 scholarship winner, Italy

Fundraising AFS encourages students to raise a significant portion of the program fee themselves, and we’ve helped thousands of students over the years with strategies and ideas for fundraising. We have compiled a fundraising guide which gives you access to the most successful fundraising ideas ever conjured up by AFS Exchange Students. Once you start your application you gain access to many years’ worth of experience in fundraising with activities and guidelines on how to fundraise.

If you would like further information on fundraising, contact the AFS Sending Team by calling 1300 131 736 or email aus.sending@afs.org.

Where does the money go?

AFS Intercultural Programs prides itself on being an international not for profit organisation. Below you will see exactly where your money goes:

40% - Travel & Insurance • International airfare and related costs, including departure tax and transit costs • Airport supervision and transfers • Ticket handling and processing • Travel to and from your host family within your destination country • Extensive Medical Insurance (some exclusions apply)

40% - Host Country Support and Administration • • • • • • • •

Host family recruitment, screening and selection Student placement AFS application processing Orientation for students/host families Volunteer recruitment, training and support Support/counselling for students/families Language materials Medical Insurance (some exclusions apply)

5% - AFS International Support • Coordination of AFS exchanges via partner country network • Emergency response services • Maintaining worldwide compliance with AFS program quality and standards

15% - AFS Australia Administration • Staff support for AFS programs and financial management • Promotion of AFS programs to students, schools, parents and the community • Recruitment, selection and placement of students • Pre-departure orientation preparation activities • Volunteer recruitment, training and support • Program preparation and materials • Scholarship and grant administration and support • Comprehensive Information Packs for students and parents

Open your home and Host with AFS Somewhere in another country a young person has the opportunity of a lifetime to come to Australia. Imagine that student becoming part of your family!

Each year hundreds of Australian families volunteer to open their home and hearts to an AFS participant. They are rewarded with precious long-lasting friendships.

In February and July each year AFS welcomes over 70 students and volunteers from across the globe to experience the Australian way of life and either attend a local high school or volunteer at a local community organisation.

What Options are there?

We know that families can sometimes find it hard to host for 11 months, so we are flexible with our hosting programs, and can cater to your family’s ability to host

School Programs Short Programs Duration of two to eleven weeks, starting in July each year. Participants will be between 15 and 18 years old.

Duration of five to eleven months, starting at the beginning or the middle of the year. Participants will be between 15 and 18 years old.

Volunteer Abroad Program Duration of three to eleven months, starting at the beginning or the middle of the year.

Participants will be at least 18 years old.

Welcome Families Host a student for a small part of the program duration at the beginning of their stay.

Backup or Emergency Family Host a participant who doesn’t fit into his original host family for the remainder of the program duration.

Eligibility Criteria

What does AFS Provide?

It doesn’t matter if you have 2 dogs, a small house, or are retired, if you’re willing to open your home to an AFSer we would love to hear from you.

AFS volunteers and staff are here to support you throughout your hosting experience. We’re always just a phone call away. All AFS host families volunteer to host an AFSer and welcome them as a new member of their family.

To be able to host, you do need to meet the following criteria: • Have a keen interest in different cultures and readiness to learn something new • Have the ability to provide adequate accommodation and daily meals • A willingness to welcome and integrate someone into your family and everyday life

For more information on how you can become an AFS Host Family please contact the AFS Hosting Team: Phone: Email: Website:

1800 023 982 aus.hosting@afs.org www.afs.org.au/host

To find out more about how to become an AFS Exchange Student or to start your application head to www.afs.org.au or give our Sending Team a call on 1300 131 736

Connecting Lives, Sharing Cultures

AFS Intercultural Programs, Australia Level 4, 418A Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2012 Tel 1300 131 736 Email: ausafs@afs.org Charitable Organisation (CFN 13488) ABN 54 008 507 864