I just spent the weekend at an AFS activity and spent the whole time talking about my experience as an exchange student. I just got an e-mail from my Aunt (AFS USA 1966-7 from Rhodesia), and in 2 weeks my host family and I celebrate 8 years. So I am nostalgic and recognize that my travel love stems directly from my experience as an AFSer. Anyone else head out in the old days?

Claire
AFS YP Spain 98-99

Our eldest daughter spent a year in Belgium (Nivelles) "85-86. We had a boy from Spain that year, and then a girl from Thailand in 90. We still keep in touch with the family in Belgium, and have made several visits --- our daughter was there again in April. Her AFS yr. was a great experience for her.

Awesome that you guys keep in touch! My grandmother wrote to Trish's (their host daughter from Rhodesia and who I refer to as Aunt) mother for years, and a few years ago they invited my mother (who they had never met) to their 50th wedding celebration. One of the longest AFS relationships I know of!

My family hosted an AFS student from Greece in 1967 - nearly forty years ago - for just one week when AFS students from around the country came to our Long Island community before boarding flights to head home. I am still in touch with her and we have each made visits to each other over the years. We even spoke by phone last year.

My family hosted an AFS student from Japan for a year in 1964, and not only are we still in touch, he took our last name as a middle name. He flew here from Japan 3 years ago when my father died. he is truly a member of the family.

When I was in high school (early '60s), my family hosted an AFS student from Sweden. It was a great experience. The following year I applied myself, but was the runnerup at my high school.

I've kept in touch sporadically with my AFS brother over the years. I did get to see him once about ten years when he was in the US on business.

I have just returned from a marvelous visit with my American family in Decatur, Illinois. I was an Exchange Student from Brazil there in the School Program during 1965-66 - yes, 41 years ago, and we are still friends!
This year we are celebrating 50 years of AFS Brazil!

We hosted an AFS student from Finland 1999-2000. What a great experience! My son visited him the following year and then he came back to visit again.

We are still in contact and all the above posts make us realize this relationship could last for decades. Fantastic!

ttt

These responses are great! Every person involved in an exchange goes in with a different attitude, and I think it is neat to let them know that it isn't always just a summer/semester/year, but could be a lifetime. As everyone on this board is so into travel, I wonder if they have ever thought of having the travel come to them in the form of an exchange student. I am only 25 and in all truth, the first thing I want to do when I get my own apartment (bought, not renting) is host a student.

I was an AFS exchange student in the US in 1960. Still in touch with my US family. I have made many visits and so have they.

I was accepted for a full year AFS spot in 1982, but only wanted to go for the summer. All those spots were filled so I turned it down - what was I thinking?!? I still regret that decision.

However, when I did not go, we decided to host a student. She was from Jamaica and it was a great experience. A year later, a went to stay with her family for 10 days over spring break. We stayed in touch for years and she eventually moved to the US. We lost touch some time ago, but I think of her often.

Fun4all,

AFS has a home site where you can try to trace other afs'ers.

Brazilnut- I know and I am all about it! I also highly recommend that ex participants buy the AFS USA phone book, which is full of ex participants and where they are now.