AFS Host Families Sought

To the Editor:

The Italians are coming! And the French, the Thais, and the Austrians! Those are just four nationalities represented by high school exchange students already placed in Fairfield County for the 2004-2005 academic year by AFS (formerly American Field Service). A half-dozen families have opened their hearts and homes to these young men and women, and more are needed.

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA has been the leader in student exchanges for more than half a century, and we know from experience that family life makes all the difference for a young visitor. When you host a teen, you introduce the world to your own family and community while giving your AFS student the opportunity to take home a unique piece of America.

This August, more than 2,400 AFS exchange students from around the world will arrive in the United States; 15 of them are destined for Fairfield County. They’re eager to experience what it’s like to live as a member of an American family and attend local high schools. Their participation in family, school and community life helps build a greater understanding of and appreciation for the myriad cultures of the world.

Please consider welcoming one of these outstanding young men and women into your home and life. You’ll be supported by a network of community-based AFS volunteers during the year that you’re together. All types of families are needed: two-parent households with small children, teenagers or no children; single parents, grandparents, and adults with no children.

Our June 1 deadline is approaching. All it takes to get the ball rolling is one phone call to 203-894-8126. Make a big difference in the life of a student and your own by hosting with AFS!

Beth Duff

AFS project coordinator for Fairfield County

108 Rock Road, Ridgefield                                             May 11, 2004