AFS Holds Host Family Appreciation Dinner

To recognize all of the wonderful host families that support and care for AFS Exchange Students, AFS Volunteers and students held a host family appreciation dinner to show their gratitude for all the love and support they have given since their student arrived in August. 

The AFS students prepared the meal and served their host families. A few students provided entertainment during the evening. Ulfa from Indonesia sang and performed a traditional dance. Her host mom, Susan, participated by translating and describing the meaning of the dance. Sanja is the first AFS student from Macedonia to come to the Twin Cities. She prepared a presentation about her home country and shared some interesting insights on the similarities and differences between life in the US and Macedonia. 

Each family was presented with a certificate thanking them for opening their home and hearts to AFS Exchange Students.

This year, AFS is hosting over 80 students from over 35 countries in the Twin Cities. These students attend local high schools including students from Hungary and Norway at Fridley High School, a student from Denmak at Columbia Heights High School, and students from Finland and Japan at Totino Grace. 

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About AFS

AFS, a worldwide, nonprofit organization, has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 65 years.  Each year, AFS-USA sends approximately 1,000 US students abroad, provides  $3 million in scholarships and financial aid, and welcomes 2,300 international high school students who come to study in US high schools and live with host families.  More than 5,000 volunteers in the US make the work of AFS possible. You can find more information about hosting exchange students or studying abroad at afsusa.org.

Meet AFS Students arriving in the Twin Cities in August 2013 http://www.afsusa.org/host-family/our-students