Hosts needed for exchange students

The AFS Intercultural Program is

looking for local families to host foreign exchange students next

school year. A variety of families are eligible to host, including

single-parent homes and couples who do not have children.

Ray Boksich, who has hosted 20 exchange

students, says it’s an eye-opening experience that will change a

person’s perspective on life.

“It really strengthens you as a

family,” Boksich said. “It forces you to look at your family

dynamics.”

Host families can expect to build a

relationship that will last the rest of their lives, he added.

“You can also expect to gain cultural

awareness,” he said. “You will learn a new approach to meals and

holidays.”

Boksich has hosted students from all

over the globe, including Hong Kong, Denmark, Italy, Brazil and the

Ukraine. He warned that there would inevitably be awkwardness when

first bringing a student into a home.

“After a few weeks, you settle into

everyday living and it takes care of itself,” he said.

The benefits of hosting go beyond the

home, he noted. Many students at the high school become good

friends with the exchange students and lifelong bonds are created.

Many Whitefish students build post-graduation trips around visiting

former exchange students in their home country.

Kendra Hope, who has hosted one

exchange student, says the experience offers a glimpse into the

culture of the participant.

“It opens up a little bit of the world

to us in Whitefish,” she said.

AFS has sent students to Whitefish for

25 years. Anyone interested in learning more about hosting an AFS

student or becoming an exchange student should attend a meeting in

the lecture room at Whitefish High School on Wednesday, May 4 at 7

p.m.

Local AFS volunteers, current AFS

students and current and past host families will be on hand to talk

about their experiences.