Hosting Yearbook 2025 – 2026

HOSTING YEARBOOK 2025 – 2026

Year Program Timeless India is a celebration of the unforgettable journey of our hosted participants and the meaningful moments they shared with their host families, schools, volunteers, and local communities. From the day they arrived in India to the completion of their exchange, each experience became a cherished memory, reflecting the true spirit of cultural learning and global friendship.

Over the course of this 10-month exchange, our participants embraced new traditions, discovered diverse perspectives, built lifelong relationships, and immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of India. Their journey embodies the essence of the AFS Experience—learning through living, sharing, and connecting across cultures.

AFS Intercultural Programs India extends its heartfelt gratitude to all our hosted participants for choosing India as their home away from home. We are honored to have been a part of your transformative journey and hope the memories, friendships, and lessons you gained will stay with you for a lifetime.

This yearbook is also a tribute to our incredible host families, host schools, and dedicated volunteers, whose warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment made every participant's experience truly special. Your kindness, guidance, and support have not only created a welcoming environment but have also fostered mutual understanding, empathy, and lasting global connections.

Together, you have all been agents of change, building bridges across cultures and strengthening the bonds of the global AFS family.

On behalf of the entire AFS Intercultural Programs India team, we sincerely thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. We wish each of you continued success, happiness, and countless new adventures in the years ahead.

May the friendships and memories created in India remain close to your hearts forever. We wish each one of you all the best in your future endeavors.”

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

CORE PROGRAM 2025-2026

CATERINA RAIMONDI (ITALY)

DENISE ATTIANESE (ITALY)

EVALUNA MARCHAN PERGREFFI (ITALY)

SIMONETTA RUGGIERO (ITALY)

VALERIO BOASSA (ITALY)

HIROHISA NISHIDA (JAPAN)

MAO YAMAGUCHI (JAPAN)

KEITO OSHIMI (JAPAN)

YOJI IIDA (JAPAN)

TETSUYA TADOKORO (JAPAN)

LOU DURIN (FRANCE) 2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

AYAKA GOTO (JAPAN)

CHONNACHANOK BOONJOB (THAILAND) india.afs.org

CATERINA RAIMONDI Host School: Ruh Continnum, Coimbatore Host Family: Mrs. Sophia Dorathy, Mr. Kannadhasan.R & Family

My exchange year with AFS India was a truly life-transforming experience. My host family took me as their own child, and my teachers and classmates welcomed me. At school, I loved learning Bollywood dance and getting involved in celebrations rich with deep cultural values. I am immensely grateful to AFS India for this incredible opportunity to discover a new culture, build lifelong bonds, and grow as a person.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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DENISE ATTIANESE Host School: The Emerald Heights International School, Indore Host Family: Bafna Family My host family was great. I spent a lot of time with them, especially eating dal baati on the floor with my hands. I have been to so many weddings, all thanks to my host parents. I could see the culture from up close. I am grateful to them because they helped me experience the real India. I traveled a lot thanks to my school and my host family— traveling can teach you a lot! Living in India changed my mind about Indian food—I love Indian food now! Experiencing the festival of Holi directly was amazing. This exchange program should be taken up by everyone in Italy. I learned a lot about India by talking to people, and now I have a lot of friends. I had a lot of fun in India. I would like to say thank you to my host family because it is only thanks to them that I learned how to love India.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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EVALUNA MARCHAN PERGREFFI Host School: Delhi Public School Rau, Indore Host Family: 1. Sameer Bhand & Family 2. Shailendra Maheshwari & Family

My best experience in India was visiting the Taj Mahal, along with a school trip with my friends.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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SIMONETTA RUGGIERO Host School: Delhi, DIS Edge, Dwarka Host Family: 1. Ms. Amayra Hasan & Family 2. Myrah Pareek & Family

My exchange journey in India with AFS has been truly wonderful. Studying in a modern, welcoming school made it so easy to settle in, build deep friendships, and even learn Kathak!

My teachers, the AFS staff, and dedicated volunteers have been so supportive, patient, and encouraging every step of the way, creating an environment where I felt completely at home. This experience has broadened my worldview and given me unforgettable memories that I will carry with me forever.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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VALERIO BOASSA Host School: Sri Aurobindo Mira Universal, Madhurai Host Family: Mr. Vishal M K R & Family

My best memory in India was celebrating my birthday with my friends and participating in MU20.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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HIROHISHA NISHIDA Host School: Venkateshwar Signature School, Raipur Host Family: 1. Mr. Yash Agrawal & Family 2. Ms. Sowmya Raghubir & Family

My stay in India was an unforgettable experience. From day one, everyone I met was incredibly kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. I loved exploring the rich culture, making amazing memories, and especially enjoying all the delicious Indian food. I am so grateful for this wonderful journey!

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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MAO YAMAGUCHII Host School: Global City International School, Bangalore Host Family: 1. Arathi Krishnan, Sudhir Arthanat and Meera 2. Rama Ganapathy and S Ganapathy Family 3. Sonia Verma, Praveen Aggrarwal and Emmy

"My most memorable time in India was my visit to Goa with my host family.

I learned some traditional Indian dances and had a wonderful experience. I also had the opportunity to be a part of MU20, and now I am able to express my opinions—unlike before, when I was shy. I was very quiet when I first came from Japan, but everyone here is so energetic, which inspired me to become more confident.

I am so grateful to my host family for taking such good care of me. I am also grateful to AFS India for giving me this opportunity and for inspiring me."

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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KEITO OSHIMI Host School: Sunbeam School & Hostel Varuna, Varnasi Host Family: Mr. Ritesh Jaiswal & Family

Holi is my favorite festival because we don't have anything quite like it back home! To anyone considering the AFS exchange program, please don't worry—I was very shy when I first arrived, but everyone in India was so welcoming and supportive. Never be afraid to ask for help! I am so grateful for this entire experience. My stay in Varanasi was incredibly fun, and I'm leaving with lifelong friends.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

YOJI LIDA Host School: Symbiosis College Of Arts & Commerce, Pune Host Family: Mr. Prajwal Channagiri & Family

My host family took good care of me. They knew I liked chicken, so they made sure that I would get to eat it. My perspective about India completely changed after my exchange program. It is beautiful! Mysore is a beautiful city, and the people are very friendly. Everyone in my class would talk to me. In my experience, India has a wonderful culture. My favorite festival is Diwali. I had a great opportunity to learn Indian culture deeply, and I was able to make many friends. I also learned the local language of Pune, which is Marathi.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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TETSUYA TADOKORO Host School: Shree Sarasswathi Vidhyaah Mandheer, Coimbatore Host Family: Mr. Ghouse & Family

Things were very different from my home in Japan, and the most surprising thing was the use of multiple languages—unlike Japan, where we mostly speak Japanese. India has a lot of beautiful buildings like temples, mosques, and some meditation centers.

After arriving in India, I came to know that India is a beautiful country. I had a chance to go to a village in the Nilgiris, near Ooty, where people live in harmony. They go to each other's houses at any time of the day. I loved that about that place! India has so much culture and many religions, unlike Japan.

It's a lot of fun, and everyone coming for this program will definitely enjoy it.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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AYAKA GOTO Host School: Queens' College, Indore Host Family: Nitin Soni & Family "My most memorable experience was visiting Hindu temples with my host family and celebrating Indian festivals. Although Indian and Japanese cultures are very different, connecting and making new friends was easy once we tried to understand each other.

I loved wearing traditional Indian dresses, celebrating Navratri, and eating Pav Bhaji and Idli Sambar. I also enjoyed participating in MU20 and learning an Indian dance form. Through this exchange program, I achieved my goals of improving my English and making lasting friendships.

To anyone thinking of joining this program: please do! Respecting each other's cultures makes connecting easy. Special thanks to my host family, AFS India, and AFS Japan for all their support.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

LOU DURIN Host School: The Emerald Heights International School, Indore Host Family: Vij Family

Ever since I was a child watching Bollywood movies in France, I dreamed of experiencing India’s vibrant culture firsthand. My time here exceeded every expectation—from playing Holi in a local village to celebrating Diwali in Rajasthan, and sharing countless heartfelt conversations over cups of chai.

Experiencing the incredible warmth, humor, and monsoon rain brought me so much joy. Beyond the unforgettable memories, this journey transformed me from within, teaching me resilience, openmindedness, and a deep appreciation for the world's diversity.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

CHONNACHANOK BOONJOB Host School: Sanjay Godhawat International School, Kolhapur Host Family: Mr. Mahesh Baldawa & Family

My host family was a joint family, unlike mine, which is a nuclear family, but the warmth was the same. I felt special because Diwali was on the exact same day as my birthday, so it was celebrated like a really special occasion! I feel so lucky to have met my host family, friends, and teachers. I took part in many activities at school. My advice to future students is: don't rush through academics—take your time.

Come and experience India! Thanks to AFS India for giving me this opportunity.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

YES ABROAD 2024-25

EVELYN FAITH ELLER

MADELINE JANE BURNETT

AOIFE O'FLYNN CORBETT

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

SAMUEL ELIAS CASTILLO JR

GRACE MARIE NOBIS

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EVELYN FAITH ELLER Host School: Delhi International School Edge, Dwarka Host Family: Surbhi Dutt & Family My time in India has been of the utmost value to me.

Living with my host family was an incredible experience—they were so welcoming, supportive, and truly made me feel at home. It’s only through living with an Indian family that you can authentically experience the depth and warmth of Indian culture.

What I love most about India is how everything feels amplified: the vibrant festivals, the incredible energy, the warmth of the people, and the magnificent, grand weddings.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone thinking about applying—go for it! It is truly a one-of-a-kind journey, and you simply cannot get an experience like this anywhere else.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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MADELINE JANE BURNETT Host School: Delhi World Public School Host Family: 1. Capt. Shishir Bhatnagar & Family 2. Mr. Ashwani Shukla & Family

My exchange experience in India was truly lifechanging. Living with my host family was so meaningful—they went out of their way to immerse me in Indian culture and make me feel included.

Studying here allowed me to connect with the culture on a much deeper level than a tourist ever could. My favorite memory was learning Kathak from my host mother at her dance classes!

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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SAMUEL ELIAS CASTILLO JR Host School: Global City International, Bangalore Host Family: 1. Sapana Gnanakan and Zuri Elaine de Saran 2. Uma Mahesh Murugesan Chettiar and Kokilavani 3. Sundari Suryakumar and Suriyakumar R

My exchange journey in India was nothing short of life-changing. My host family opened their hearts to me, and I loved sharing in their daily routine— especially enjoying the meals my host father cooked with so much love. Celebrating the Ganesh festival and witnessing such incredible communal harmony and joy is something I will cherish forever. If you want to truly feel the heart of India, this program is a must!

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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AOIFE O'FLYNN CORBETT Host School: Suchitra Academy, Hyderabad Host Family: 1. Mr. and Mrs. Raju & Family 2. Mr. and Mrs. Satyam Rao Cheeti & Family

I came to India to experience its incredible diversity, but what touched me most was seeing how closeknit families are here, deeply connected across generations. Living in Hyderabad gave me a true taste of home—and made Hyderabadi biryani my absolute favorite food!

This program is an unforgettable journey that opens your heart and broadens your perspective. My biggest advice to future students? Make sure to leave plenty of extra room in your luggage, because you'll be bringing home endless treasures from all the shopping!

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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GRACE MARIE NOBIS Host School: Delhi World Public School Host Family: Anjana Maurya & Family Living with my host family felt like living with my very own—from quiet, peaceful dinners to watching Bollywood movies together, being a true part of an Indian family gave me a profound sense of belonging. India has blessed me with lifelong friendships and relationships I will cherish forever.

My absolute favorite memory was celebrating Holi: the vibrant splashes of color, the rain dance, and pure joy everywhere! And of course, nothing beats a hot dosa. Beyond the fun, this exchange program transformed me—teaching me better communication skills, deepening my appreciation for diversity, and helping me grow as a person.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

18+ University Program A Gap Year with AFS India is not a time off, but a time to grow, discover and build a foundation for the future. India offers a unique learning environment that blends academic depth with cultural richness. The program offers exposure to a wide range of university streams across India—including management, IT, computer science, machine learning, robotics, engineering, business administration, law, pharmacy, mass communication, media, humanities, social sciences, commerce, arts, and more— enabling students to explore diverse career pathways and build future-ready skills.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

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LETLOTLO SEREMANE Hosted at Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore Studying in India and stepping out of my comfort zone was a truly unforgettable journey of personal growth, independence, and intercultural learning.

From day one, I was welcomed with open arms, forming lifelong friendships and receiving incredible support from my peers, host institution, and the toptier AFS staff who always ensured I was safe.

Living here broadened my perspective and matured my thinking, giving me a clearer vision for my goals while deepening my appreciation for India’s vibrant culture—celebrating Diwali and enjoying foods like vada pav and aloo paratha remain highlight memories! To anyone considering this exchange program, come with an open mind: the people here are passionate, generous, and always eager to teach and help. I’m immensely grateful to AFS for this lifechanging experience that I will cherish forever.

2025-26 Hosting Yearbook

india.afs.org

The world needs more Active Global Citizens.

AFS helps create them.

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

AFS INTERCULTURAL PROGRAMS INDIA A-9, First Floor, Chittaranjan Park New Delhi 110019, India

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