The AFS Exchange

Why Host? “Per Amore.”

Season 6, Episode 5
This month, we’re sharing a story from a host family in California whose introduction to AFS began back in the 1970s.

Matt Lewis met a young AFSer from Belgium named Geert back in 1973, sparking a lifelong friendship and a major ripple effect. From road trips in high school to Matt acting as a crew member on tour with Geert’s band in the South of France years later, this one connection changed everything. Decades after that initial meeting, it inspired Matt and his wife, Wendy, to open up their own doors as AFS host parents and volunteers in Southern California.

In this episode, we share Matt’s memories of Geert and the backstory that inspired their family to host, before jumping into the present day to hear from both Matt and Wendy about their own hosting adventures with their students from Germany and Italy. As you’ll hear, hosting gave them a brand-new family on the other side of the planet – and connections that have taught them so much.

Season 5 of The AFS Exchange invites listeners on a journey through the real-life experiences that shape global citizens. Across the season, we meet exchange students discovering themselves through new school activities and community connections, explore how host families and short-term stays create deep bonds, and hear from alumni whose exchange year continues to influence their lives long after they returned home. The season also pays tribute to the legacy and impact of AFS volunteers — from the organization’s origins to today’s award-winning contributors — and offers practical insights for navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding support during an exchange. Whether through inspiring stories, veteran perspectives, or actionable advice for students, families, and volunteers, Season 5 celebrates the transformative power of intercultural exchange.

Season 4 of the AFS Exchange podcast shares stories centered on the profound impact of international exchange, largely through the lens of host families, students, and volunteers. Highlights include glimpses into the lives of host families like Justin and Chad, who’ve cultivated a “global family,” and Keith and Doug, sharing their experiences with a Danish host son, alongside explorations of how “only children” adapt to newfound host siblings. The season also features inspiring individual journeys, such as Kakeru’s story of overcoming barriers and Diarra’s exchange from Senegal to Seattle, while celebrating the vital contributions of AFS volunteers and encapsulating the spirit of connection from the 2024 AFS-USA Summit. Additionally, the season touches on historical and social impacts with a powerful narrative from the Apartheid era and showcases the transformative power of study abroad through the experiences of returnees from various countries.

This season delves into a wide array of inspiring stories and impactful experiences, highlighting the diverse ways AFS programs shape lives and foster global citizenship. The season explores the daily realities of exchange students in the U.S., provides insights into what it means to be an AFS host parent, and examines the broader positive influence of exchange students within school communities. It also features a series dedicated to celebrating 75 years of exchange, spotlighting the transformative journeys of AFS alumni like Jim Kiernan, Dana Rutson and her family, Dave Schrader, and Fen Namwat, alongside discussions on becoming a global citizen in countries like Paraguay. Furthermore, the season shines a light on significant contributions, including conversations with AFS-USA’s Global Awards Winners, the life-changing impact of AFS-USA scholarships, and inspiring accounts from host siblings and families. Memorable episodes also include the unforgettable experience of AFS participants in Cyprus in 1974, the enduring legacy of AFS in individuals like Dr. Rich Besser, the power of global competence in the classroom, and unique stories such as the Hummel family’s journey as TikTok-famous host parents.

Season two of The AFS Exchange podcast delves into the various facets and positive impacts of AFS-USA’s exchange programs, highlighting the significant role exchange students play in schools. The season also sheds light on the dedication of AFS Host Parents through conversations with those in the D.C. and Dallas areas. Season two episodes also offer perspectives from three exchange students from Germany, Sweden, and Austria as they recount their experiences living with host families and attending high school in the U.S. The season concludes with a focus on recognition, showcasing conversations with the 2022 Global Awards winners, including Josh Amstutz, recipient of the Global Educator Award, and Oconomowoc High School, honored with the Global School Award.

This first season of The AFS Exchange podcast lays the groundwork for the series by sharing unique and impactful stories related to the AFS experience. This initial season features a “Lifelong AFSer” like Kim from Wisconsin, who has engaged with AFS as a host sibling, parent, and participant, offering insights and tips. It highlights the value of international exchange within educational settings by interviewing “AFS School Champions” – high school administrators – who welcome exchange students into their communities. The season also delves into personal histories, including an interview with Nico, an AFS returnee whose journey was inspired by his mother’s own exchange, and an interview with Steve Riford, an AFS Ambulance Driver from WWII, providing a glimpse into the organization’s rich past. Practical advice for new participants is shared in “Advice from Us to You,” while “26.2 Miles to France” chronicles the unique experience of an AFS returnee to France.