Can we choose our host student?
If you are interested in a particular nationality, AFS will try to fulfil your preference and you can indicate if you prefer to host a male or female. Our primary aim is to find someone who will integrate easily into your family – someone who enjoys your family’s interests and way of life. Such a young person could come from any part of the world, so it helps if you are open minded about nationality.
What is the host student’s role in my family?
Plan on your host student being a family member, sharing fun and duties, privileges and responsibilities.
How much does my family have to adapt and change?
There will be some adjustments as your family includes the newcomer in your daily life and everyone learns new patterns, relationships and ways of doing things.
Will our host student need his/her own bedroom?
No, many share with a member of their host family.
How long will our host student stay?
It depends on the AFS program that you choose. AFS programs vary in length from a few weeks to a year.
What support will we get?
Your local AFS group provides an orientation as well as arranges two AFS Support people: for you and for your host student. They will also organise activities to help you and your participant enjoy and benefit from your time together. You’ll receive a booklet with good advice titled ‘Your Participant and You’ as well as have access to regional AFS volunteers and professional AFS staff.
Will we be included in the local AFS group?
You and your host student are automatically members of the local AFS group. You are invited to attend their meetings, their activities and social functions.
What if we have problems and don’t get along?
This is where your local AFS Support person can help. They will work with you and your participant to improve the relationship. If these steps are not successful and problems remain, a host family change can be arranged.
Who is responsible for our hosted student?
Natural parents remain the legal guardians. AFS oversees the safety and welfare of the particpant. Your responsibility is for day-to-day living. You have support from your local AFS group and 24-hour emergency access to AFS. AFS communicates with natural parents through our network of partner AFS organisations overseas.
Where will our host student go to school?
Depending on the program, your local AFS group will arrange a place at the nearest appropriate school, having negotiated fees, related expenses and their payment. AFS students are required to attend school full-time.
What happens during school holidays?
Your student can be included in what your family or other AFS members are doing or something organised by friends and approved by you, AFS and the student’s natural parents.
Are we paid? What do we pay for?
Host families do not receive payment from AFS - the payment is in the experience. You offer a warm welcome, love and support. You pay for food and daily costs, much as you do for any family member. You are not expected to provide expensive ‘extras’.
What does our student pay for?
Your student brings spending money for personal costs and extras. Your student supplies his/her clothing.
What about medical insurance?
AFS pays for your student to be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover under Medibank Private and reimburses you for any shortfall (except for pre-existing conditions and routine dental and eye care, which are the responsibility of the student or natural parents).
Still have questions? Contact us!
