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

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

In Cologne, the anticipation for student exchange is great! From August, 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" has been committed to bringing these young people in cities such as Magdeburg, Dessau-Roßlau, Harz, Landkreis Börde, Salzlandkreis, Jerichower Land and Anhalt-Bitterfeld, but there is a lack of enough host families. This reports the Volksstimme and underlines the * urgent requirement * to families to open 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 in German or English. Host families are not just couples or families; Persons or rainbow families who live alone are also very welcome. A separate room for the guests is desirable, 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. Interested parties can easily report by text message or email to obtain further information. A golden opportunity to show the cosmopolitanism of your own family!

Why host families are important

host families play a central role in the exchange program and are crucial for intercultural learning. Every year, around 50 countries from over 50 countries take part in these programs in Germany. Participation in the everyday family life of the hosts not only enables the exchange of cultures, but also a new view of the everyday. For example, host families contribute to social openness and promote intensive ties that often last for a lifetime. The Aja reports that such experiences can expand the horizon and even lead to lifelong friendships.

These programs not only show cosmopolitanism, they also enable families to look at different perspectives and to rethink their own values. However, the enormous advantages that you get from abroad are not only emotional. Every year, around 3,000 young people spend half or all of the school year in Germany and thus create a bridge between cultures that allows you to reduce prejudices and discover common values. The Federal Center for Political Education emphasizes that intercultural exchange contributes to a better understanding of globalization.

an important contribution to globalization

The student exchange has a long tradition in Germany and is a popular means of promoting international relationships. The latest statistics show that around 20,000 pupils from Germany go abroad every year, while many guest students live in Germany. The programs are diverse and offer different experiences, 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 moves more than ever into the spotlight, it is important to use these valuable exchange options. So if you have a good feeling for 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] (https://www.volksstimme.de/lokal/magdburg/Drende-hilfe-hilt-gastschuler-suchen-suche-ma--magdburg- 4081827). Take part and experience how enriching life with a guest student can be!