Host with AFS Greater Puget Sound

Share your culture. Experience another culture.

Become a host family with AFS-GPS.

Each year, more than 2,700 American families provide wonderful, unique experiences for outstanding students from more than 50 countries. What they find is that the host family members often receive as much or more than they give.

What does it take to host?

*A commitment to share your home, family and culture with a teenager from another country for a semester or a year. Your guidance and support are crucial as this person learns about our authentic U.S. culture-not the images seen on TV.

*A bed for the student (He/She can share a room).

*Meals and inclusion in normal daily activities. (Students are provided with medical insurance)

Who can be a host family?

*We have host families of all kids. AFS-GPS is very flexible in working with individuals who are willing to open up their home to a teenager from another country.

Is there a support network available to the host family and hosted student?

*A local volunteer (liaison) is assigned to each family/student pair. This individual is the first line of support during the exchange experience.

*An Area Team Support Coordinator also is in place to work as a second level of support in difficult situations.

*AFS-USA Support Staff are continuously in contact with the local network of support volunteers and the student’s natural country to work the exchange experience.

*A 24 hour/7 days a week hotline exists to receive immediate attention.

How does the host family application process work?

*First, complete a Host Family Interest Form A.  Please print out and email this form to Heidi Cook at her address below.

*Once our local contact, Heidi Cook, receives this form, she will contact you regarding a host family interview (to be conducted in your home).

*Fill out a complete host family application.

*A local volunteer will meet with your local high school to secure a hosting spot for a student.

*Once accepted by AFS as a host family, you will choose a student from one of our many candidates.

For more information, please contact Heidi Cook of Bellevue, Washington at heidicook@aol.com or AFS-Portland at 1-800-AFS-INFO.