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 'web wizard', Leo Hitchcock, (maker of www.afspasifika.org.nz), 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').

Leo says hosting has changed their lives significantly. "It broadened our horizons to further than we'd ever imagined," says Leo. "We've become a huge extended family and we have visted and stayed with most of them, some more than once. Their families have become part of ours. Some of our host students have met each other too!"

For more information phone AFS on 0800 600 300