“Geert’s laughter, energy, and spirit still echo through my life, not only in cherished memories but also in the new bonds of family that AFS has given us over the decades. What began with a Belgian teenager stepping into our world in 1973 has grown into a lifetime of friendships, love, and shared adventures that span continents and generations.  

For me, and for our family, Geert’s story is a reminder that one person’s presence can spark connections that ripple forward for fifty years—and beyond.” 

In 1973, Matt Lewis met Geert Vanroelen – an AFS-USA exchange student who came from Belgium to Los Angeles. Over the next fifty years, Matt’s friendship with Geert led to a lifetime of making unforgettable memories and building new connections. From reconnecting with Geert abroad to volunteering with AFS-USA, Matt’s journey led him and his wife to host two exchange students, expanding his global family and giving his sons the same impactful experiences he had as a teen.  

In 2006, Geert tragically passed away – his AFS-USA legacy lives on through Matt, his family and friends, and so many others touched by his journey.  

Geert and Matt’s friendship represents how welcoming one exchange student into your community can have ripple effects that transform countless lives and build bridges of connection for years to come. Read their fully story at www.afsusa.org/blog/geerts-afs-legacy