Residences Needed for International Exchange Students

AFS Intercultural Programs, the oldest high school exchange organization in the country, started just after World War I by volunteer ambulance drivers looking to improve international relations, is seeking host families for students that are continuing to arrive throughout the month of August, and in need of permanent hosts.  The organization is also looking for additional volunteers. 

“There are about 2,500 high school students from over 50 countries hosted in the US through AFS every year.  Many are in suburban and even rural areas, where their presence really has an impact on the community,” said Julie Berger, who grew up in Upper Dublin and who knows first-hand about the life-changing experience.

“I participated in the British Exchange program in 2001-2002, first hosting a student in my home and then staying with her family in Derby, England.  Although this experience was short, it was my first taste of the excitement of international travel and the wonders of cross-cultural exposure.  I think it would be wonderful if there were more opportunities at [Upper Dublin High School] for such exposure, and an AFS student would bring just that,” she said.

AFS-USA has year, semester and summer programs abroad for high school students ages 15 to 18. Gap programs are geared specifically for high school graduates and individuals over 18 who are interested in making a difference through international community service or university programs.

Berger said the students love doing 'normal' American activities like going to high school football games, like they have seen on TV, and are just excited to experience American culture.  They become involved in sports and other school activities, becoming truly integrated in their schools, but they also provide an incredible exposure to their own cultures and backgrounds. 

“I first learned about the organization after meeting some of their New York office staff.  I participated in a day of service with a group of students being hosted in New York and New Jersey, and was amazed at the connections they had forged not only with their hosts but with each other - American, Spanish, German, Chinese students, all merrily talking about their weekend plans and school activities.  I don't have any sort of official volunteer role with the organization, but have been trying to help in the effort to recruit host families especially in Upper Dublin,” she added.

Berger said Upper Dublin is the ideal location for visiting students because “It is a small town community where people tend to know each other. It is a warm and welcoming place and the ideal location to showcase American life to these students.”  Within the communities, AFS is entirely volunteer-run.  In addition to the host families, other volunteers serve as resources to check in with students and plan special activities for the students and their host families. 

Interested host families or volunteers can call 1-800-876-2377, or visit afsusa.org/host-family/apply to fill out an interest form.