Due to Covid-19 and the closing of New Zealand’s border all hosting programmes are on hold. We look forward to welcoming AFSers from all over the world to Aotearoa soon!
Hosting an AFS international student is your family’s chance to experience a new culture in your own home. AFS friendships last a lifetime, expand your horizons and give you a new son or daughter. AFS offers support through the entire process.
AFS doesn’t pay host families. Instead our host families are volunteers, (AFS is a charity), inviting a student into their home, and making them part of the the family. Students are expected to do dishes, make their beds, everything a member of the household is expected to do! Additionally, AFS students are not international students, once in New Zealand they are domestic students.
All types of families are encouraged to apply; there is no “typical” AFS host family. Some AFS families have children at home. Some are same sex couples. Others are empty nesters with adult children or are couples with no children at all. Single adults and single parents are also welcome. Even busy families find time to enjoy hosting AFS students!
If you have more questions call the Programme Team on 0800 600 300 or email [email protected]