Host Family Survival Kit

From AFSWiki

Host Family Survival Kit: A Guide for American Host Families 2nd Edition

Written by long time AFS staff members Nancy King and Ken Huff(?).

"Armed with the knowledge contained in this book, you can create an experience that has the power to change lives…yours and your [exchange] student’s." —Dr. Walter and Lynn Kendall

From the Foreword to the second edition

With this second edition, Nancy King and Ken Huff bring to life the joys and challenges of hosting. In Part 1 they provide an overview of hosting, beginning with the role of the exchange student in the host family. They follow this with a discussion of the skills needed for host parenting and an expanded examination of culture.

Part 2 focuses on the stages of the hosting experience: Arrival, Settling In, Deepening the Relationship, Culture Shock, the Holidays, Taking Stock, Culture Learning, Predeparture, and Readjustment. The authors discuss what to expect and make recommendations on handling day-to-day situations. Three new appendices add valuable information: Common Concerns, Bridging Skills, and a final one which introduces a strategy for identifying and handling cross-cultural misunderstandings. Two appendices from the first edition have been substantially revised: Thinking of Hosting an Exchange Student? and the Suggested Reading List.

This book will be welcomed by veteran host families as well as those contemplating hosting for the first time.