About this episode

This episode provides advice from AFS students and insights from the Participant Support & Learning Team to help exchange students navigate challenges.

If the excitement of arrival is starting to fade and everyday life feels a little harder, this episode is for you. Hear real advice from last year’s AFS students on making friends, setting realistic goals, and handling challenges like school, homesickness, and family dynamics. Amanda and John from AFS-USA’s Participant Support & Learning Team share their insights and actionable guidance to help you thrive during this phase of your exchange. Whether you’re a student, host family, or volunt...

People in this episode

Hosts: Amanda, John

Topics covered

• exchange experience
• student advice
• making friends
• goal setting
• handling challenges
• homesickness
• family dynamics

Keywords

• exchange toolkit
• AFS students
• friendship
• realistic goals
• school challenges
• homesickness
• family dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AFS-USA

More episodes of The AFS Exchange

• Why Host? "Per Amore" · June 8, 2026 · 31 min
• Decades of Boats, Buses, and Boarding Passes · April 8, 2026 · 34 min
• The Universal Language of AFS · March 2, 2026 · 30 min
• Inside the AFS Engine Room · February 3, 2026 · 38 min
• Coming Soon: The AFS Exchange Season 6! · January 28, 2026 · 2 min
• Your Exchange Toolkit: Overcoming Challenges · November 18, 2025 · 55 min

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