What is required of an AFS Host Family?
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SUMMARY
SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................................2 Welcome the world into your home! .........................................................................................3 Eligibility Criteria ..........................................................................................................................3 ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 What does AFS Provide? .......................................................................................................... 4 Discover the Students.....................................................................................................................5 Students from Argentina ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Students from Austria ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Students from Chile ................................................................................................................ 6 Students from Finland ............................................................................................................7 Students from France ............................................................................................................ 8 Students from Germany ....................................................................................................... 10 Students from Japan .............................................................................................................. 11 Frequently Asked Questions… ................................................................................................... 16 Who is eligible to host? ............................................................................................................ 16 What is required of an AFS Host Family? .......................................................................... 16 Who are AFS Participants? ..................................................................................................... 16 How are participants selected? ............................................................................................. 16 Will the participant speak English? ...................................................................................... 16 Can I host more than one participant? ............................................................................... 17 Are Host Families paid? ........................................................................................................... 17 What is a Host Family's financial obligation? ................................................................... 17 Will the host family need to cover medical expenses? ................................................. 17 Are host families responsible for enrolling their AFS student in school? ............... 17 What if problems arise? ........................................................................................................... 17 Does AFS have rules for participants? ................................................................................ 17 Why AFS?...................................................................................................................................... 18 What are the Benefits of Hosting? ....................................................................................... 18
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Welcome the world into your home! Hosting an AFS participant gives you and your family the chance to experience a new culture in your own home. It’s a fantastic opportunity. You’ll be introducing someone to Aussie life, discovering your own culture and country whilst expanding your own horizons. If your kids are planning an AFS exchange, this will give them a taste of what they are in for. If they have already been on an exchange, this is your chance to provide another student with an equally important experience. AFS offers the support you need. As a host family, all you have to do is treat your international guest like a typical family member. That’s ultimately the experience they come to Australia for. AFS friendships last a lifetime. By welcoming an AFS student into your home, you are making the world a friendlier place and giving your family an unforgettable experience.
Eligibility Criteria You have the perfect family! It doesn't matter if you are single, have 2 dogs, a small house, or are retired. If you're willing to open your home to an international exchange student, we'll try our best to match you with someone! All our eligible families must have the following however:
Interest in different cultures and a readiness to try something new The ability to provide adequate accommodation and daily meals Willingness to integrate someone into your family and everyday life
3
What does AFS Provide? AFS volunteers and staff are there to support you throughout your hosting experience. All AFS host families volunteer to host an international participant to welcome them as a new addition to their family. Whilst hosting an AFS participant, AFS does provide: 24 hour emergency contact, accidents can happen and problems may arise outside of AFS office staff hours Local support for both the host family and participant A large volunteer network, there to help out when needed Regular local group meetings to meet other host families and participants The AFS National Office staff team are always there to help out when our volunteers can't
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Discover the Students FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA IN 2015
5
Students from Chile
6
Students from Finland
7
Students from France
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9
Students from Germany
10
Students from Japan
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Frequently Asked Questions… Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions regarding hosting an AFS participant. If your questions aren't answered, then please get in contact with your local volunteer, or the AFS National Office.
Who is eligible to host? All types of families are encouraged to apply; there is no “typical” AFS Host Family. Families can have small or teenage children at home, be empty nesters with adult children, or couples with no children. Single adults and single parents are also welcome. Families shouldn’t worry about being too busy – AFS provides a great support network of volunteers who arrange activities for the exchange students; however, the more opportunity the AFS Exchange Student has to experience your life, the better!
What is required of an AFS Host Family? As a host family, you will provide your student with:
The opportunity to participate in your family’s daily lives and events The same care, support, and comfort you would another member of your family A bed, not convertible or inflatable in nature; sharing a room with a sibling of the same gender close in age is fine Three quality meals, including lunches and meals eaten as a family in restaurants
Who are AFS Participants? AFS participants come from more than 50 countries, and are seen as role models and leaders in their home communities by demonstrating maturity and motivation to go abroad. Participants attend high school or volunteer organisations in Australia during their program.
How are participants selected? AFS students are required to meet a high standard of qualifications to be accepted by the AFS office in their home country, as well as by AFS Australia. They must:
be between 15-18 years old on arrival demonstrate a commitment to academic motivation and possess solid grades be in good general health and meet the medical criteria
Will the participant speak English? Yes, all students have a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. Some student arrive with a small knowledge of English, but progress throughout their experience. Our students come to Australia with a desire to immerse themselves in the language and to improve their level of proficiency.
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Can I host more than one participant? Yes, families can host two students at a time. Some host families decide hosting two is better than one and find the hosting experience is even more rewarding. Both students and their parents must approve this arrangement. We also require that they speak different native languages to ensure that only English is used in your home.
Are Host Families paid? No, host families are not paid but are volunteering to host the participant. Your own children will also be eligible for AFS program discounts and scholarships.
What is a Host Family's financial obligation? AFS students arrive with their own spending money for social and school activities, clothes, etc. As a host family, you will not need to provide spending money or an allowance.
Will the host family need to cover medical expenses? No, your student will come with secondary medical insurance so that, in an emergency, the student can be treated as soon as possible. There is also a 24hour support phone number in case of any emergency.
Are host families responsible for enrolling their AFS student in school? Yes, although AFS first gets permission from the high school to accept your exchange student. AFS works with schools to ensure exchange students are in compliance with each school’s policies and procedures. Your family will fill out the same paperwork at the school as you would for your own children. You and your student will meet with the school staff to determine the classes your student will take. AFS Volunteers can offer suggestions and assistance if needed. AFS enjoys an excellent reputation with high schools across the country, and we value a close working relationship with the schools that we serve.
What if problems arise? AFS Volunteers have a lot of experience in placing participants with families and we provide extensive support throughout the year. However, if the placement does not work out satisfactorily, AFS assumes responsibility to move the participant to another family.
Does AFS have rules for participants? Yes. AFS students are expected to obey all the AFS rules and policies that are applicable while on their program. Should a student break a rule such as driving, hitchhiking, or partaking in illegal drugs, they will have their program terminated. Hosted participants are expected to obey all Australian laws. We also limit independent travel by students. You will be provided with a Host Family Handbook, which contains information on these rules, at or before your pre-arrival orientation for host families.
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For more information, please contact Lian Drinan at the AFS Australia National Office on 1300 131 736 or send an email to: [email protected]
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Why AFS? AFS is world leader in intercultural exchange. Since 1947, 400,000 young people have travelled and studied on AFS programs in over 100 countries worldwide. AFS is a non-profit, volunteer organisation and is registered and approved by State and Territory Education Departments and regulatory bodies.
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What are the Benefits of Hosting? When you choose to host you welcome an AFS participant into your home, they are keen to see the “real” Australia and are not here as tourists but as participants on their own intercultural journey. AFS requires individuals and families to volunteer to host. We find this offers the best experience to participants on our programs. AFS provides orientation for participants, information for families and 24/7 support.
By sharing their lives with AFS participants, Host families gain immeasurable benefits. Some of these benefits include:
-
Making friend for life. Families continue the friendship with their AFS volunteer well beyond the program period. Many report family vacations to visit countries they have come to know through their hosting experience and talk of the warm welcome they receive. - Sharing their own culture with others and gain a new perspective of the local environment through the ideas of their host volunteer - Making new friends with other host families, volunteers and a variety of other young people from around the world - Building their knowledge of other countries and cultures from a personal perspective. They build their intercultural understanding, a core competency in our global economy. Intercultural understanding is an essential part of living with others in the diverse world of the 21st century. - It assists young people to become responsible local and global citizens, equipped through their education for living and working together in an interconnected world.
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
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SUMMARY
SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................................2 Welcome the world into your home! .........................................................................................3 Eligibility Criteria ..........................................................................................................................3 ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 What does AFS Provide? .......................................................................................................... 4 Discover the Students.....................................................................................................................5 Students from Argentina ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Students from Austria ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Students from Chile ................................................................................................................ 6 Students from Finland ............................................................................................................7 Students from France ............................................................................................................ 8 Students from Germany ....................................................................................................... 10 Students from Japan .............................................................................................................. 11 Frequently Asked Questions… ................................................................................................... 16 Who is eligible to host? ............................................................................................................ 16 What is required of an AFS Host Family? .......................................................................... 16 Who are AFS Participants? ..................................................................................................... 16 How are participants selected? ............................................................................................. 16 Will the participant speak English? ...................................................................................... 16 Can I host more than one participant? ............................................................................... 17 Are Host Families paid? ........................................................................................................... 17 What is a Host Family's financial obligation? ................................................................... 17 Will the host family need to cover medical expenses? ................................................. 17 Are host families responsible for enrolling their AFS student in school? ............... 17 What if problems arise? ........................................................................................................... 17 Does AFS have rules for participants? ................................................................................ 17 Why AFS?...................................................................................................................................... 18 What are the Benefits of Hosting? ....................................................................................... 18
2
Welcome the world into your home! Hosting an AFS participant gives you and your family the chance to experience a new culture in your own home. It’s a fantastic opportunity. You’ll be introducing someone to Aussie life, discovering your own culture and country whilst expanding your own horizons. If your kids are planning an AFS exchange, this will give them a taste of what they are in for. If they have already been on an exchange, this is your chance to provide another student with an equally important experience. AFS offers the support you need. As a host family, all you have to do is treat your international guest like a typical family member. That’s ultimately the experience they come to Australia for. AFS friendships last a lifetime. By welcoming an AFS student into your home, you are making the world a friendlier place and giving your family an unforgettable experience.
Eligibility Criteria You have the perfect family! It doesn't matter if you are single, have 2 dogs, a small house, or are retired. If you're willing to open your home to an international exchange student, we'll try our best to match you with someone! All our eligible families must have the following however:
Interest in different cultures and a readiness to try something new The ability to provide adequate accommodation and daily meals Willingness to integrate someone into your family and everyday life
3
What does AFS Provide? AFS volunteers and staff are there to support you throughout your hosting experience. All AFS host families volunteer to host an international participant to welcome them as a new addition to their family. Whilst hosting an AFS participant, AFS does provide: 24 hour emergency contact, accidents can happen and problems may arise outside of AFS office staff hours Local support for both the host family and participant A large volunteer network, there to help out when needed Regular local group meetings to meet other host families and participants The AFS National Office staff team are always there to help out when our volunteers can't
4
Discover the Students FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA IN 2015
5
Students from Chile
6
Students from Finland
7
Students from France
8
9
Students from Germany
10
Students from Japan
11
12
13
14
15
Frequently Asked Questions… Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions regarding hosting an AFS participant. If your questions aren't answered, then please get in contact with your local volunteer, or the AFS National Office.
Who is eligible to host? All types of families are encouraged to apply; there is no “typical” AFS Host Family. Families can have small or teenage children at home, be empty nesters with adult children, or couples with no children. Single adults and single parents are also welcome. Families shouldn’t worry about being too busy – AFS provides a great support network of volunteers who arrange activities for the exchange students; however, the more opportunity the AFS Exchange Student has to experience your life, the better!
What is required of an AFS Host Family? As a host family, you will provide your student with:
The opportunity to participate in your family’s daily lives and events The same care, support, and comfort you would another member of your family A bed, not convertible or inflatable in nature; sharing a room with a sibling of the same gender close in age is fine Three quality meals, including lunches and meals eaten as a family in restaurants
Who are AFS Participants? AFS participants come from more than 50 countries, and are seen as role models and leaders in their home communities by demonstrating maturity and motivation to go abroad. Participants attend high school or volunteer organisations in Australia during their program.
How are participants selected? AFS students are required to meet a high standard of qualifications to be accepted by the AFS office in their home country, as well as by AFS Australia. They must:
be between 15-18 years old on arrival demonstrate a commitment to academic motivation and possess solid grades be in good general health and meet the medical criteria
Will the participant speak English? Yes, all students have a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. Some student arrive with a small knowledge of English, but progress throughout their experience. Our students come to Australia with a desire to immerse themselves in the language and to improve their level of proficiency.
16
Can I host more than one participant? Yes, families can host two students at a time. Some host families decide hosting two is better than one and find the hosting experience is even more rewarding. Both students and their parents must approve this arrangement. We also require that they speak different native languages to ensure that only English is used in your home.
Are Host Families paid? No, host families are not paid but are volunteering to host the participant. Your own children will also be eligible for AFS program discounts and scholarships.
What is a Host Family's financial obligation? AFS students arrive with their own spending money for social and school activities, clothes, etc. As a host family, you will not need to provide spending money or an allowance.
Will the host family need to cover medical expenses? No, your student will come with secondary medical insurance so that, in an emergency, the student can be treated as soon as possible. There is also a 24hour support phone number in case of any emergency.
Are host families responsible for enrolling their AFS student in school? Yes, although AFS first gets permission from the high school to accept your exchange student. AFS works with schools to ensure exchange students are in compliance with each school’s policies and procedures. Your family will fill out the same paperwork at the school as you would for your own children. You and your student will meet with the school staff to determine the classes your student will take. AFS Volunteers can offer suggestions and assistance if needed. AFS enjoys an excellent reputation with high schools across the country, and we value a close working relationship with the schools that we serve.
What if problems arise? AFS Volunteers have a lot of experience in placing participants with families and we provide extensive support throughout the year. However, if the placement does not work out satisfactorily, AFS assumes responsibility to move the participant to another family.
Does AFS have rules for participants? Yes. AFS students are expected to obey all the AFS rules and policies that are applicable while on their program. Should a student break a rule such as driving, hitchhiking, or partaking in illegal drugs, they will have their program terminated. Hosted participants are expected to obey all Australian laws. We also limit independent travel by students. You will be provided with a Host Family Handbook, which contains information on these rules, at or before your pre-arrival orientation for host families.
17
For more information, please contact Lian Drinan at the AFS Australia National Office on 1300 131 736 or send an email to: [email protected]
18
Why AFS? AFS is world leader in intercultural exchange. Since 1947, 400,000 young people have travelled and studied on AFS programs in over 100 countries worldwide. AFS is a non-profit, volunteer organisation and is registered and approved by State and Territory Education Departments and regulatory bodies.
19
What are the Benefits of Hosting? When you choose to host you welcome an AFS participant into your home, they are keen to see the “real” Australia and are not here as tourists but as participants on their own intercultural journey. AFS requires individuals and families to volunteer to host. We find this offers the best experience to participants on our programs. AFS provides orientation for participants, information for families and 24/7 support.
By sharing their lives with AFS participants, Host families gain immeasurable benefits. Some of these benefits include:
-
Making friend for life. Families continue the friendship with their AFS volunteer well beyond the program period. Many report family vacations to visit countries they have come to know through their hosting experience and talk of the warm welcome they receive. - Sharing their own culture with others and gain a new perspective of the local environment through the ideas of their host volunteer - Making new friends with other host families, volunteers and a variety of other young people from around the world - Building their knowledge of other countries and cultures from a personal perspective. They build their intercultural understanding, a core competency in our global economy. Intercultural understanding is an essential part of living with others in the diverse world of the 21st century. - It assists young people to become responsible local and global citizens, equipped through their education for living and working together in an interconnected world.
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
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