2024-07-22
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Study Abroad
New AFS report reveals benefits of being a study abroad host family
Discover How Hosting International Students Can Enrich Your Family Life
New AFS report reveals benefits of being a study abroad host family
A survey of over 3,000 former AFS host families in 76 countries revealed that 60% noticed increased curiosity about different languages and cultures in their children, and nearly half reported enhanced social-emotional skills. Host parents like Susana Liepa from Latvia described the experience as opening minds to diverse people and creating lifelong bonds. The CEO of AFS, Daniel Obst, emphasized the need for intercultural understanding and empathy, highlighting the program's contribution to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. A respondent from Colombia noted the challenges and rewards of hosting, stressing the importance of treating the exchange student as a family member. The study found that 62% of host families remain connected to AFS, experiencing a higher impact than those who lost contact. Despite the challenges, the benefits of hosting far outweigh the difficulties. AFS is enhancing its training and support tools to prepare volunteers and staff better. Obst encourages making international education accessible to all, as it is the best investment for the future.
