8/14/2007 - Summer months a time of transition for AFS families
Mona Ridder
Cumberland Times-News
KEYSER, W.Va. – July and August are the months that foreign exchange students with the American Field Service … well, make their changes.
In August there is an influx of students from around the world into the regions of the United States that boast AFS chapters. In July, American families are saying tearful good-byes to the students they have hosted for nearly a year and who have become such an integral part of their families.
These are usually friendships for life, said one parent.
This year is no exception for the Keyser AFS Chapter, which is helping to find welcome and host families for a number of students whom have yet to be placed.
The students can be placed anywhere in the surrounding communities of Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and past host families are a good resource for those who think they might interested in having a foreign student in their homes for 11 months as part of their families, said Dawn Boggs.
The annual AFS picnic is Aug. 26 at Deep Creek Lake and that’s when the adult and student chapters of AFS will welcome new students and former hosts will talk about their experiences and where their students are now. “Anyone who is interested should come and we’ll have lots of information on the program,” she said.
Students who need a host family include Hiquing, known as Helen, from China, who enjoys sports, skating, basketball, French, boxing and music, and previously lived in the U.S. for eight years when she was younger.
According to her biography, she loves cats and her friends call her hopeful, extroverted, organized and eager to please. Her parents say she is sociable and outgoing and sometimes very outspoken, not hesitating to share her opinion, both in school and in their family.
Andres from Mexico is 16 and Catholic. He said he speaks fair English, having studied for eight years. He has a brother, and his mother works in sports and recreation, and his father’s occupation is law.
He said he likes most sports, but especially archery, and has a state championship in his home country. His friends describe him as a very social and friendly person. His favorite school subject is history.
Oh, and any pets are OK with Andy.
Anyone in the region who is interested in hosting a student for the coming school year is asked to contact Dawn Boggs at (304) 788-5456 or Stacy Boggs at (304) 788-6559. Directions to the picnic are also available by calling either number.
For more information on the AFS program, log onto www.afs.org/usa or call Peg Wachter at (814) 766-3401 or e-mail TWachter@cove.net.
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