Host families urgently wanted: Young exchange students from all over the world are waiting!

Host families urgently wanted: Young exchange students from all over the world are waiting!

In Cologne there is great anticipation for the student exchange! From August onwards, numerous young people from countries such as Brazil, France, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Japan, the USA, Turkey and Colombia will come to Germany and are still looking for suitable host families. The exchange organization “AFS Intercultural Encounters” is committed to bringing these young people to cities such as Magdeburg, Dessau-Roßlau, Harz, Börde district, Salzlandkreis, Jerichower Land and Anhalt-Bitterfeld, but there is a lack of enough host families. This is reported by Volksstimme and underlines the *urgent requirement* for families to open themselves up to the unique experience of intercultural exchange.

The young people, who are between 15 and 18 years old, come with their own health insurance, pocket money and basic knowledge of German or English. Host families are not just couples or families; People living alone or rainbow families are also very welcome. It is desirable for guests to have their own room, but accommodation with guest siblings is also possible. It is important that the guest students actively participate in family life, for example at breakfast or dinner. Those interested can simply contact us via text message or email to receive further information. A golden opportunity to show your family's cosmopolitanism!

Why host families are important

Host families play a central role in the exchange program and are crucial for intercultural learning. Every year around 2,000 guest students from over 50 countries take part in these programs in Germany. Participating in the hosts' everyday family life not only enables the exchange of cultures, but also a new perspective on everyday life. In this way, host families contribute to social openness and promote intensive bonds that often last a lifetime. The AJA reports that such experiences can broaden horizons and even lead to lifelong friendships.

Not only do these programs demonstrate open-mindedness, they also allow families to consider different perspectives and reconsider their own values. However, the enormous benefits of having a roommate from abroad are not just emotional. Every year, around 3,000 young people spend half or a full school year in Germany, creating a bridge between cultures that allows them to break down prejudices and discover common values. The Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes that intercultural exchange contributes to a better understanding of globalization.

An important contribution to globalization

Student exchanges have a long tradition in Germany and are a popular means of promoting international relationships. Recent statistics show that around 20,000 students from Germany go abroad every year, while many guest students live in Germany. The programs are diverse and offer different experiences, ranging from a classic exchange year to shorter stays. The exchange programs organized by AJA are particularly recognized and enable young people to get to know the world from a new perspective.

At a time when cultural diversity is coming into the spotlight more than ever, it is important to take advantage of these valuable exchange opportunities. So if you have a good sense of cosmopolitanism and curiosity, I invite you to become part of this wonderful exchange process. Information and portraits of guest students can be found on the AFS website and offer an exciting insight into what awaits you: AFS Intercultural Encounters. Join us and experience how enriching life with a guest student can be!