Why become a host family?

Because your family can let a bit of the vast world enter your home and with this gesture, you also contribute actively to the promotion of peace me. You may even develop long-term bonds and be invited to their wedding 10 years later!

What are the requirements to become a host family?

AFS makes no distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status in the selection of host families. If you want to meet youths from other cultures, have a generous heart, a good sense of humour and lots of patience, are flexible and uncomplicated, are curious and like to learn and have a spare bed and are ready to open your home, then you are a great host candidate! Please note that AFS has the responsibility to check for criminal offences related to abuse and family violence.

What if our children are still young?

Maybe a new older brother or sister is what they need. Some youths expressively request to be placed with a family with young kids.

Do we have to send our own child to be allowed to host?

No, it’s not required.

Can we choose the student we will host?

Yes. However, AFS will do a pre-selection among all the student files received, according to your interests, lifestyle and preferences (boy or girl, nationality, etc) and will present you 2 or 3 student profiles that could suit your family. You will then choose the one you prefer. If you feel that none of the students proposed to you matched with your family, AFS will present you other student files.

What if the two parents work outside the house?

It usually is not a problem, as the youth you will be hosting will attend school during the day. He will be home only at nights and on weekends.. It is however important that everyone’s wishes be realised, in order to integrate the student into the family.

Can I host a student if I’m a single-parent?

Yes. More and more single-parent families are taking part in our program and decide to host a foreign student.

What do we have to pay?

The host family provides the youth with its affection, support, advice, a roof and food as they do for their own children. The hosted student must not be treated differently. All fees related to school, transportation to go to school, AFS activities and medical care are paid by AFS. The youth gets money from his/her natural parents for personal expenses.

How long do the students stay in Canada?

Most of our families host for a period of 11 months (a school year), from August to July. In certain regions, we also run summer intensive programs so it is therefore possible in those regions to host for a period of 4 weeks, generally from mid July to mid August.

Are host families paid or compensated?

No. They host a foreign student because of their interest in other cultures and to contribute to our mission of building a more just and peaceful world. Moreover, hosting is a very rewarding experience for the whole family.

Must the hosted student have his/her own bedroom?

No. A lot of our participants share a room with their host brother or sister. Learning to share and be flexible is part of the AFS experience.

Which school does the student attend?

The participant usually attends the local public high school in your neighbourhood. The host family must register the youth at the school. It’s easy and AFS will be happy to help you out.

What happens if we already have vacations planned?

The youth must adapt to your family. If you wish, the youth can go on vacations with your family. If it’s not possible, we will have to find a temporary family while you are away. If you don’t know anyone (friends, relatives, etc) who could take care of the youth while you are away, AFS will help you find a temporary family.

Do we have to host the student for the whole program length?

The family hosting commitment is usually for the whole program length. However, at any time at the request of the family, the hosting can be ended. We understand that priorities and family situations can change. Moreover, even though AFS tries to make the best match possible, some time it does not work out. AFS offers support to both families and youths. If a difficulty emerges, the host families can contact their AFS volunteer who will try to sort out the situation. If it doesn’t work out, AFS will find a new family for the youth

What are the roles and the responsibilities of the host family?

By hosting an AFS student, the families agree to provide him/her with a clean and safe environment, food and the support required to ensure successful integration and a positive experience. Families commit themselves to collaborate with AFS, respect AFS rules and standards and among others, to encourage a monthly contact between the student and his/her AFS counselor. Students remain under the responsibility and legal guardianship of AFS Interculture Canada.

What support is offered by AFS?

An experienced AFS volunteer is assigned to each family and is immediately available if any problems emerge. The AFS Interculture Canada office is also there to help if you have any questions or concerns. The foreign students also have access to a volunteer counsellor, who they can contact whenever they need help. The AFS volunteer must contact the student at least once a month. Furthermore, host families will be invited to various AFS activities during the program. Not only will it be an opportunity to meet and share with other host families and hosted students, it will also be a good time to talk about how the exchange is going. Finally, in case of an emergency, AFS staff will always be available, 24 hours a day, 7days a week.

What is the selection procedure?

You have to fill out the host family application form and send it back to your local volunteer or the AFS office. A volunteer will then come to your house for an interview and to learn more about your family. With your preferences and interests in mind, AFS will then suggest 2 or 3 students that could suit your family. You will be invited to choose the one that you want to welcome into your home! You will be invited to an AFS meeting to help you get ready for the hosting experience. Soon the moment will arrive to welcome your new “son” or “ daughter”!

How old are the students and where do they come from?

They are between 16 and 18 years old. They come from more than 30 countries around the world (Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Europe