Exchange students seek families

Not-for-profit student exchange organisation AFS is keen to talk to families in. Woy Woy and surrounding areas who are interested in hosting an international exchange student for three weeks to 11 months.

"All you need is a willingness to share and learn, a warm heart and patience," Rebecca Moon from AFS said.

"In return you will be rewarded with life-long international friendships."

AFS is currently preparing to welcome 180 exchange students from all corners of the globe. Sixteen students are hoping to be hosted around Woy Woy, including Gabriela from Brazil, Thomas from Austria, and Veronica from Paraguay.

They are young people aged between 15 to 18 years who have the courage, spirit and desire to explore the world around them.

Leanne Dowler is a strong believer in hosting exchange students.

Her family has hosted eight times.

She feels the benefits of hosting an exchange student help to learn a lot about your own family and local area.

"It is a wonderful way to truly learn about another culture first-hand and when host students return home you know that they will take something of you and of Australia with them.

"I believe it increases global understanding and tolerance and it is a lot of fun"

For more information on how to become a host family, call Nanine Artup on 1300 131 736, or visit www.afs.ofg.au.

Press release, November 26