Pacific Cascades Area
AFS Intercultural Programs

AFS is the leading high school foreign exchange program, with opportunities to live and study in over 50 countries worldwide. 

AFS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS

Q. Who can participate in an AFS exchange?

A. AFS has programs ranging from 3 weeks to a year that will fit most student’s needs. Our core program — a Semester or Year-long Homestay in another country — is a school-based program that requires at least a 2.8 GPA in academic subjects. For students who are interested in shorter programs, there are Summer Homestays that focus on language skills or service projects. For young people who have graduated from high school, the Interim Program provides an opportunity to live abroad and work on service projects to help make the world a better place. For example we currently have a young woman working in a children's hospital in South Africa. For students who would like to continue academic studies and possibly earn college credits, the University Study Program is perfect. Young people attend a Costa Rican university, combining course work with language study while living with a host family.
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Q. Where do AFS students live?

A. AFS students are placed with carefully screened families in their host country. The host family will provide the student with everyday needs. AFS students living abroad may not have all of the luxuries we have in the US, but they can count on their host family’s love and support.

Q. Who picks the host family for exchange students who come to this country?

A. Local volunteers carefully screen prospective host families matching students' and families' interests. Although most students and their families are very compatible, in some circumstances it is advisable to move a student to another family. In this event, AFS locates the new family and coordinates the move.

Q. Who picks which country a student will go to?

A. If a student applies in a timely manner, the choice is his/hers. However, AFS has revolving admission; and so some programs (especially those to France and Spain) fill quickly, requiring students to request a placement in a country that might not have been their first choice. AFS has offices and programs in 55 countries on every inhabited continent in the world so there are a lot of options.

Q. Why would someone consider being an AFS student?

A. Living abroad with AFS is the adventure of a lifetime! Studies and experience over the past 50 years show AFSers will gain independence, responsibility, maturity, cultural awareness, new language and communication skills, adaptability and self-confidence. When AFSers return, they have preferential treatment at over 250 colleges nationwide.

Q. What if there are problems?

A. The great strength of AFS is its worldwide network of volunteers, professionals, and host families. Nearly all exchange students encounter some problems during their stay abroad. While problem solving is part of the learning experience, the AFS organization is always there to help if needed. Our support organization includes trained counselors, travel experts and dedicated local volunteers.

Q. What can my school gain by hosting an AFS student?

A. Lots! Your students and faculty will be exposed to other cultures and customs. Teachers who have had foreign exchange students in their classrooms speak of their AFS students giving world history and social studies a face, making the wider world real for teens at home. By hosting international exchange students, schools not only contribute to the cultural richness of their communities, but also to the lives of the students they host.

For More Information, go to AFS National website, www.afs.org/usa or call 1-800-AFS-INFO to talk to a live person. You can also email the AFS Pacific Cascades Area team at info@afscascades.org to find out how local volunteers can help you.

Last revision November 5, 2006