LHS Receives Top AFS Award

Livingston High School has been hosting AFS exchange students for 53 years and was recently given an award for being one of 79 Top AFS School in the Nation for 2014. Schools honored with this annual award have partnered with AFS in a variety of ways to foster global citizenship through intercultural learning. 

Livingston resident, Sue Fershing, Area Team Chair for AFS in New Jersey, added that “LHS has hosted over 75 AFS students from 25 countries around the world. The flags of the exchange students’ nations have flown at the LHS graduation over the years. It is a source of pride for the students. the school and the students’ Livingston host families.”

The high schools selected from around the country for this public recognition are making a profound difference to the lives of students and to society at large. The ability to speak another language, navigate in a different cultural context and marshal a global perspective are skills that today’s students need to succeed in our increasingly interdependent world. 

Thanks to Livingston High School teachers such as Guy Rabner and Lucy Lee, many LHS students have developed a sense of awe for the culture of the country whose languages they are studying. Being able to immerse themselves in the language brings it to life and helps students understand history in a more personal way. Cliff Goss, AFS returnee and LHS graduate, gave credit to Mrs. Lee’s Chinese class and noted that his “summer abroad AFS program was the first step on a path towards an international career with an emphasis on China.” He continued to say that this program assisted his developing social skills, cultural awareness, resourcefulness in travel and the art of relationship building.

Commenting on LHS’s award in its February 27 editorial, the West Essex Tribune lauded exchange programs:  “Those families who have participated in the AFS program know the joys of sharing their lives with someone eager to learn. Host families and exchange students laugh. A lot. Whether giggling over the mispronunciation of words or sharing students' excitement about the new school and friends, host families have a tremendous amount of fun. Being a host is also an excellent way to learn about the world without leaving home.”

AFS Intercultural Programs is a leading exchange organization and welcomes over 2,300 international high school students from more than 90 countries to the US each year. This year, AFS in New Jersey is hosting 34 exchange students from 19 countries, several of whom have been sponsored by US Government scholarships. Host families provide a home, share their daily lives with students and help guide and support students as they would their own children. Families and their hosted students receive ongoing support from AFS staff and experienced, local volunteers.

For more information about how to host a student, study abroad or volunteer with AFS, contact Sue Fershing, Area Team Chair for AFS in New Jersey, at 973-533-1341 or sfersh@juno.com or visit www.afsusa.org.