Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions regarding hosting an AFS participant. If your questions aren't answered, then please get in contact with your local volunteer, or the AFS National Office.

Who is eligible to host?

All types of families are encouraged to apply; there is no “typical” AFS Host Family. Families can have small or teenage children at home, be empty nesters with adult children, or couples with no children. Single adults and single parents are also welcome. Families shouldn’t worry about being too busy – AFS provides a great support network of volunteers who arrange activities for the exchange students; however, the more opportunity the AFS Exchange Student has to experience your life, the better!

What is required of an AFS Host Family?

As a host family, you will provide your student with:
  • The opportunity to participate in your family’s daily lives and events
  • The same care, support, and comfort you would another member of your family
  • A bed, not convertible or inflatable in nature; sharing a room with a sibling of the same gender close in age is fine
  • Three quality meals, including lunches and meals eaten as a family in restaurants

Who are AFS Participants?

AFS participants come from more than 50 countries, and are seen as role models and leaders in their home communities by demonstrating maturity and motivation to go abroad. Participants attend high school or volunteer organisations in Australia during their program.

How are participants selected?

AFS students are required to meet a high standard of qualifications to be accepted by the AFS office in their home country, as well as by AFS Australia. They must:
  • be between 15-18 years old on arrival
  • demonstrate a commitment to academic motivation and possess solid grades
  • be in good general health and meet the medical criteria

Does the participant speak English?

Yes, all students have a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. Some student arrive with a small knowledge of English, but progress throughout their experience. Our students come to Australia with a desire to immerse themselves in the language and to improve their level of proficiency.

Can I host more than one participant?

Yes, families can host two students at a time. Some host families decide hosting two is better than one and find the hosting experience is even more rewarding. Both students and their parents must approve this arrangement. We also require that they speak different native languages to ensure that only English is used in your home.

Are Host Families paid?

No, host families are not paid but are volunteering to host the participant. Your own children will also be eligible for AFS program discounts and scholarships.

What is a Host Family's financial obligation?

AFS students arrive with their own spending money for social and school activities, clothes, etc. As a host family, you will not need to provide spending money or an allowance.

Will the host family need to cover medical expenses?

No, your student will come with secondary medical insurance so that, in an emergency, the student can be treated as soon as possible. There is also a 24-hour support phone number in case of any emergency.

Are host families responsible for enrolling their AFS student in school?

Yes, although AFS first gets permission from the high school to accept your exchange student. AFS works with schools to ensure exchange students are in compliance with each school’s policies and procedures. Your family will fill out the same paperwork at the school as you would for your own children. You and your student will meet with the school staff to determine the classes your student will take. AFS Volunteers can offer suggestions and assistance if needed. AFS enjoys an excellent reputation with high schools across the country, and we value a close working relationship with the schools that we serve.

What if problems arise?

AFS Volunteers have a lot of experience in placing participants with families and we provide extensive support throughout the year. However, if the placement does not work out satisfactorily, AFS assumes responsibility to move the participant to another family.

Does AFS have rules for participants?

Yes. AFS students are expected to obey all the AFS rules and policies that are applicable while on their program. Should a student break a rule such as driving, hitchhiking, or partaking in illegal drugs, they will have their program terminated. Hosted participants are expected to obey all Australian laws. We also limit independent travel by students. You will be provided with a Host Family Handbook, which contains information on these rules, at or before your pre-arrival orientation for host families.

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