Hosts needed for exchange students
The AFS Intercultural Program is
looking for local families to host foreign exchange students next
school year. A variety of families are eligible to host, including
single-parent homes and couples who do not have children.
Ray Boksich, who has hosted 20 exchange
students, says it’s an eye-opening experience that will change a
person’s perspective on life.
“It really strengthens you as a
family,” Boksich said. “It forces you to look at your family
dynamics.”
Host families can expect to build a
relationship that will last the rest of their lives, he added.
“You can also expect to gain cultural
awareness,” he said. “You will learn a new approach to meals and
holidays.”
Boksich has hosted students from all
over the globe, including Hong Kong, Denmark, Italy, Brazil and the
Ukraine. He warned that there would inevitably be awkwardness when
first bringing a student into a home.
“After a few weeks, you settle into
everyday living and it takes care of itself,” he said.
The benefits of hosting go beyond the
home, he noted. Many students at the high school become good
friends with the exchange students and lifelong bonds are created.
Many Whitefish students build post-graduation trips around visiting
former exchange students in their home country.
Kendra Hope, who has hosted one
exchange student, says the experience offers a glimpse into the
culture of the participant.
“It opens up a little bit of the world
to us in Whitefish,” she said.
AFS has sent students to Whitefish for
25 years. Anyone interested in learning more about hosting an AFS
student or becoming an exchange student should attend a meeting in
the lecture room at Whitefish High School on Wednesday, May 4 at 7
p.m.
Local AFS volunteers, current AFS
students and current and past host families will be on hand to talk
about their experiences.