Sponsored Program-Specific Host Family Orientations

From AFSWiki

Being a host to a Sponsored Programs student has several unique requirements and components that do not occur with traditional hosting placements.

To ensure that every host family is well informed and prepared for their hosting responsibilities, specialized orientations are conducted with future Sponsored Programs host families.

In Person Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation

The Department of State requires all host families who host government sponsored students to have an in-person Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation prior to arrival. This Orientation must be recorded in Global Link to verify it has been conducted. It can be done as a one on one meeting between a volunteer and a host family separate from the host family interview, or as a brief add-on to the normally scheduled pre-arrival host family orientation. This orientation is done to ensure that the family knows they will be hosting a sponsored student, obtain an understanding of the resources (cultural handbooks, Ramadan call, etc) that exist for their benefit, learn about the required activities in which their student will participate, and have their questions answered before the students arrive on the program.

As a foundation, use of the Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation Online Module is recommended, as it contains most of the information to be imparted on a host family.

Topics for the In-Person Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation

The SP Host Family Orientation is recorded in the Activity Module of Global Link. -- How to Track the SPHFO

Ideally, a cluster coordinator would lead a short(15 min) break-out session during a host family orientation event for Sponsored Programs Host Families, or make an individual visit to a sponsored programs host family to establish themselves as the main point of contact and organizer of the cluster activities. Thus, they are available, utilizing their "specialist" knowledge base of the Sponsored Programs, to make the families aware of the culture and program-specific resources available and to answer questions about the CB, YES and FLEX programs. It will also help to facilitate a relationship between the host families and the cluster coordinator in the future.

Online Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation

In addition, or in conjunction with the In-Person Sponsored Programs Host Family orientation, all Sponsored Programs host families will be emailed a link to a personal Online Sponsored Programs Host Family Orientation. This orientation reinforces the key elements of importance and requirements of Sponsored Programs Students.

To reach the online module, head to the following site: https://usa.afsglobal.org/AFSGlobal/GlobalLink/OnlineTraining/Login.aspx?coursename=

-- and select from the drop-down list: Host Family Orientation for Sponsored Programs.

-- Your standard Global Link login information will be requested.