The “Global Families, Global Impact” report by AFS Intercultural Programs explores the experiences of host families involved in international youth exchanges.
With over 75 years of expertise, AFS has engaged nearly 500,000 families in more than 90 countries. Annually, around 8,000 students and families participate in these transformative exchange programs. This report is based on a large scale global survey conducted from April to December 2023, targeting former AFS host families. The survey gathered responses from over 3,000 families across 76 countries, with significant participation from countries with substantial AFS activities.
The study’s findings and recommendations demonstrate the significant community impact of exchange programs. Host families play a crucial role in fostering active global citizenship for exchange students and themselves. By participating in international youth exchange experiences that provide them with the necessary resources and support, host families can have more impactful experiences and be better equipped to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.