AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

I met Becky through doing what we do. She is an AFS Volunteer for this community-based volunteer Intercultural Program. She first contacted us offering us ways that families could help bring peace in the world. This organization believes, and advocates, that people can increase cultural understanding and tolerance by bringing international children into their home. AFS is "a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board."

Letter From AFS Volunteer

Michelle,
After 20 years of volunteering and hosting 5 times I could write my own testimonial but would rather share this one sent to me last summer.

Letter From Host Sister

Dear Becky,

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I hosted Ilaria Chiaraluce last year, 2006-2007. (I was the one you kept thinking was 16 years old.)

What an amazing experience! Our house feels so empty since she has left, but in a way she is still here. Sometimes we will all remember something funny that Ilaria said while she was here, (we called them Ilariaisms) and it makes our eyes tickle, even though we are laughing. She has become a part of our family, and I really, above all, thank AFS for that.

Being on the hosting end of the string, I saw first hand what an amazing program AFS is and the hundreds of doors it opens. I began to think about going abroad, and once that thought sets in, it doesn't leave very quickly. The thing that Ilaria said was the best about AFS was that it broadens your view. Your world right now is very, very small: your family, school, and town. But with AFS you become a part of another family a long way from home. Suddenly your world is bigger, and you view your old world is with a more mature attitude and eye.

I have so many years left in my life, but I don't have much time before the opportunity to go abroad with AFS fades away. And that is why I am acting now. I would like to go abroad my senior year, 2009-2010, to France. I know that you are very busy sorting out problems with the new arrivals, and I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my letter. If you could respond to this email in the next couple of weeks, it would be wonderful. We don't have to discuss details right now, but I am just letting you know of my intentions so it is not a complete shock when I say, "Hey! I want to go abroad!" Once again thank you for helping in making this world a better place to live in. The amount of lives you touch and effect with your work is something to be proud of. I can never say thank you enough for the joy you have given to my young 15 years.

Respectfully,

Kathryn G., Host Sister to Ilaria 2006-07

Learn More

www.usa.afs.org
1-800-AFS-INFO
Jenny Myers at AFSHosting@misstennky.org

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