AFS is also looking for host families to take in exchange students anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months. AFS is wanting to form a Pacific chapter for returnees, so if you are an ex-AFS student of Pacific origin, please get in touch. For more information, go to www.afs.org.nz or you can contact AFS on 0800 600 300 or email info-newzealand@afs.org and find out how to get in touch with your local AFS chapter.

Being a host family

Eseta and her family from Manukau answer questions about their hosting experience

What made you want to become a host family?

Our daughter is currently an AFS student in Denmark and we wanted to experience another culture. Plus there was a spare room for another student.

What country was the student from?

Italy

Did you find the experience worthwhile?

Yes, even though It was very short.

Would you consider hosting again?

Yes, especially when our daughter would return to give us a hand.

Any advice for people who are thinking of hosting a student from overseas?

It's an awsome opportunity to build up a relationship with your host student's family, learning about their culture and them learning about yours. It is very important for both parents to make time for your host student as you do with your own, and also to show the whole world what a unique culture the Pacific Islands do have!

What is hosting?

Hosting is when a household has an AFS exchange student live with them, just as if they were a member of their own family. Students from 54 countries around the world choose to come to New Zealand each year. AFS encourages people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures to consider hosting. You can be a single adult, a single parent, a couple with no children, or a couple with children of any age. You can choose to host for whatever length of time suits you and your family - from 6 weeks to 12 months.

Why host?

Hosting with AFS is the best way to learn about other cultures without leaving home. AFS has the support networks in place to make your experience the best it can be. Hosting will enrich your family immeasurably, allowing you to view your own culture with fresh eyes. The glowing stories from former AFS host families say it all! Your family will develop intercultural knowledge, communication skills and develop friendships across the globe, while making a positive contribution to world peace. It is also the perfect preparation for New Zealand students who are planning to go overseas themselves as they learn firsthand from their host brother or sister what it takes to make the integration into a family and community successful.

Hosting Facts

Every year 10,000 families in 54 countries around the world host an exchange student with AFS. More than 400 AFS students from around the world choose to come to New Zealand to live with families here. AFS could not run its programmes without the generosity of many New Zealand families who open their homes to our students.

And did you know...

Our former 'web wizard', Leo Hitchcock, and Catherine, have hosted 8 students (as well as billeting numerous others). Even before their first daughter went off on her AFS year to Japan (their second daughter went to Czechoslovakia/Slovakia) the family was hosting. They have hosted from Hong Kong, Denmark, Thailand, Spain (2), Canada (French), Norway, and U.S.A., including this amazing guy: Ignace von der Recke Kamatari of Burundi ('Gigi').