AFS Is Seeking Host Families For Four Students

By Nancy K. Crevier

Host families for four students scheduled to arrive in the United States in just six weeks are being sought, according to Andy Duddleston, Northeast regional field coordinator for AFS-USA, Inc. The students, two boys and two girls, are from Thailand, Denmark, Belgium, and Italy, and like all AFS exchange students, are outstanding students in their homelands who have passed specific AFS qualifications and have some level of English proficiency.

AFS, formerly known as American Field Services, is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works in partnership with schools all over the country. It has been supporting students who wish to explore the world and learn more about other cultures since 1947. The mission of the program is to promote better understanding of people in different countries, in order to help build a more peaceful world.

Newtown High School is home to an AFS Club and several students from Newtown have studied abroad through the program. Many foreign students have found host families in Newtown in previous years, providing students and families with unforgettable experiences.

According to Mr Duddleston, host families are screened, and expected to provide a bed and meals and to offer the students, who stay for 11 months, the same guidance they would give to members of their own families. Host families do not have to be the traditional “married with children” families, he said. Single persons, one-parent families, and couples without children are equally welcomed to share their lives with students.

“We actually find that people and families who are very busy, who are involved in the community, make the best host families,” said Mr Duddleston.

AFS provides support to host families and to the students while they are in the country and each family is assigned a trained AFS liaison to assist students and families with the adjustment period and integration into the school and community.

Naphat, who goes by “Boss,” is a 17-year-old from Thailand. He likes to read, jog, and play the saxophone. His favorite subject is chemistry and he would like to study it in the future. His friends describe Boss as “a very energetic student who is always eager to learn languages and participate in many school activities.” He has studied English for ten years and is fine with any pets in a household.

Heidi is a 16-year-old young woman from Denmark. She loves to dance and when her schoolwork is done, she likes to go to the local discos. Her favorite dance styles are break dancing and boogie. She also loves to learn and read about other cultures and lifestyles. She has earned high marks in her language and history courses. Any pets are fine with Heidi, whose English language skills are listed as good.

Karen, 18, is from Belgium. She plays tennis and enjoys swimming, volleyball, and dancing. She recently discovered horseback riding. Her teacher describes Karen as “open, social and conscientious.” She would like to pursue a career in economics or nursing. Her English is very good and she likes any pets.

Francesco is a 17-year-old young man from Italy. He belongs to a local basketball team and also enjoys going to movies. He likes science and history. His teacher says he is reliable and respectful of rules. Francesco has visited California, Arizona and Nevada. He has studied English for ten years and is fine with any pets.

To learn more about becoming a host family to one of these students, call Andy Duddleston at 212-479-1176 or email him at andy.duddleston@afs.org. A hosting interest form can be obtained at www.afs.org/usa.