Moorestown/July 1, 2013 - After hosting an exchange student from Paraguay, twin sisters from Moorestown High School are on their way to visit her there for an intercultural experience of their own.
For the last six months, the Farmer family of Moorestown hosted AFS exchange student Maia Rojas Morningo from Asuncion, Paraguay’s largest city. Last night, Maia departed New Jersey with the other 29 international students who had been hosted throughout New Jersey.
"Hosting an AFS exchange student was an amazing experience. Our family was exposed to the culture of Paraguay, a remote South American country that few have visited or know much about,” said host dad, Jamie. “Having our new daughter, Maia, stay with us broadened our view of the world, and challenged us to try new things while introducing Maia to America. We love that AFS is committed to improving cultural understanding and international relationships one family at a time. Having an extra teen in any home can be a challenge, but it was worth every minute. These kids are so brave. It is inspiring to just meet an exchange student, let alone host one!"
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Each year, AFS Intercultural Programs/USA, a leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years, welcomes 2,300 high school students from more than 90 countries into communities throughout the USA. These students are eager to attend a local high school, live with a host family and discover what America is all about.
AFS is looking for a supportive host family in Moorestown for 2012/13, where the local high school has experienced the enrichment of hosting exchange students and is open to welcoming more. Host families provide a bed and meals, share their daily lives with students, and help guide and support students as they would their own children. Students come with full medical insurance and personal spending money. Families and their hosted students receive ongoing support from AFS staff and experienced, local volunteers.
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Maia's natural parents offered the host twin sisters, Maddie and Jenny, a learning experience of a lifetime, inviting them to Paraguay to experience her life there this summer.
“Maia's family wanted to return our generosity by giving our daughters a cultural experience in their own country. They have some wonderful activities planned, including a trip to the Iguazu Falls. The twins will spend a month in Asuncion, and then attend two weeks of school with Maia,” said host mom, Toni.
AFS offers travel abroad programs to US students for the summer, a semester or a year, many offering scholarships. If you have an interest in hosting a student or travelling abroad as an exchange student contact, Sue Fershing, New Jersey’s Area Team Chair, at 973-533-1341/ sfersh@juno.com or visit www.afsusa.org.
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About AFS
AFS, a worldwide, nonprofit organization, has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. Each year, AFS-USA sends more than 1,100 US students abroad, provides approximately $3 million in scholarships and financial aid, and welcomes 2,300 international high school students. More than 5,000 volunteers in the US make the work of AFS possible.
