I’ve been an AFS-USA volunteer in Natrona Heights for eight years, and I want to share what it means to host a high school exchange student in our community.

Highlands High School has partnered with AFS for more than 25 years and is open to hosting more students this academic year. We just need more area individuals and families to host students.

I’ve seen the impact that an exchange student has on people, families, our community and schools. I know I am making a difference in creating a more just and peaceful world.

Meet anyone who has hosted a student, and you’ll hear a story of a life changed. Yet some people don’t realize that the experience changes the people hosting, too.

AFS volunteers make the organization work. Seeing the students come to our region is amazing, their faces lighting up at every new experience. Seeing host families opening their hearts and homes to students they have never met is incredible. AFS is a big international family, and in our family, we promote world peace through student diplomacy.

Students represent many countries, including Kenya, Ukraine, Italy, Germany and Thailand.

Families represent the diversity of the U.S. and include couples, individuals, and people with or without children. You can host one or two students for 12 weeks a semester or school year.

Please host and become engaged in promoting inclusion and creating meaningful connections within our great community! You will be supported by local AFS volunteers like me.

For more information on hosting, please contact me at alanbwinter@gmail.com.

Alan Winter

Harrison

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