What to Expect for Host Families
From AFSWiki
Host Families - What to Expect During an AFS Site Visit
- What is the purpose of the site visit?
The purpose of a site visit is to elicit feedback from students and host families about the services and support provided to them by AFS-USA. It also provides the opportunity to ensure that AFS is meeting our quality and compliance standards with regard to our hosting program. Site visitors may also meet with volunteers and school officials to share best practices and training resources and to learn how AFS can better support them in their respective roles. AFS staff began making site visits during the 2010-11 program year, traveling to over 20 Teams, and found them to be very insightful. Staff is continuing to make site visits throughout the country this year.
- Who are the site visitors?
The site visitors are trained AFS staff, comprised of the Quality Assurance and Compliance Coordinators and Sponsored Program staff. A local AFS volunteer may also accompany the site visitor during the visit to your home.
- How did AFS choose my family to visit?
AFS must visit 20% of the students within each Sponsored Programs focus (CB, FLEX, and YES) in order to meet grant requirements, so staff focuses on areas that have Sponsored Programs Clusters. The staff then selected which host families to visit within each area based on proximity, timing, availability, and recommendations from the local volunteers.
- How will the time and date of the visit be determined?
AFS staff will try to be as flexible as possible with their schedules, and we kindly request that your family also finds some time in your busy schedule for this visit. The staff does not expect anyone to take time off of work or school for this visit. Staff will work with your family and/or the local volunteers to set up a schedule that will work best for everyone.
- Who needs to be present during the visit?
The visit must take place in your home with the student and at least one host parent present.
- How long will the visit take?
The AFS staff will spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in your home. During this time, the staff will meet with everyone as a group, meet alone with your student, and meet alone with you. This will enable everyone to speak openly about their experience.
- What kinds of questions will the visitor ask us?
The AFS staff will have a list of interview questions for both you and your student regarding your AFS experience thus far. The questions will ensure that AFS is meeting our quality and compliance standards and will cover such topics as the home environment, daily routine, and the student’s accommodations. Therefore, the staff will request to take a tour of your home and student’s bedroom to verify that related standards have been met.
- Will the site visitor help us if we are having a problem or concern with the program?
We understand that you and/or your student may want to discuss adjustment issues or concerns with the site visitor. As trained AFS staff, they will surely listen and record the conversation. However, the AFS Support Chain of Communication will remain in effect. If such issues or concerns are raised during the visit, the site visitor will pass along the information to the local volunteers and the AFS Regional Participant Support Staff. The volunteer and/or Participant Support Staff will follow up with you and your student regarding the concerns expressed during the visit.
Please see the link below for more information on the AFS Support Chain of Communication:
If you have any questions or concerns before the site visit, please feel free to contact your respective Quality Assurance and Compliance Coordinator:
The AFS Risk Management, Compliance, and Quality Assurance Department
