We asked Kevin a few questions about his experiences as an AFS Volunteer with the World Flags Area Team. Here’s what he had to say!
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved?
My son, Ben, went abroad to Germany in 2013. At that time, we also accepted our first exchange student. Since 2013 we have had three students and provided support to many others. I noticed my local club was struggling so I jumped in and offered new ideas for expansion.
What keeps you coming back to volunteer each year?
I think AFS is a very worthwhile program for both the students in the United States as well as those that come to the U.S. I would hate for those students to be denied this fantastic opportunity to be immersed in another culture. Additionally, my children at home understand that the world is much bigger than what we have in our country. We try to instill that no matter what your background, we are all part the big picture: humanity.
What’s a typical volunteer ‘shift’ like for you?
In a typical month, I organize the local AFS club meetings, field trips, experiences, etc. for the exchange students. I am also the chair of Great Walworth County AFS, which entails supporting host families and the students they host. I attend World Flags meetings as the co-chair and speak regularly with TDS and am involved in establishing a working team atmosphere to better the experiences of all exchange students and their host families.
What have you learned or how have you been personally affected by your experience with AFS?
Being involved with AFS has opened my eyes to the many cultures of the world.
Can you share the best thing or funniest thing that’s happened to you while volunteering with AFS?
One of the best experiences that I have had is at student arrivals and departures. I always enjoy seeing the transformation of the exchange students. Most students arrive anxious about meeting their host family, not knowing what the semester or year will bring in a foreign country. However, when they leave, the transformation is obvious because they don’t want to leave a place that so easily became “home.”
What do you want to say to people who might be interested in volunteering with AFS?
Getting involved with AFS will change your life, your perspective on world cultures, and your understanding of humanity. Hosting and volunteering with AFS will provide the opportunity to learn about another culture or country without having to leave your home.
What’s one thing AFS Volunteers and Staff don’t know about you?
I have spent countless hours researching my own genealogy. I have had the opportunity to meet a distant cousin in Germany and discovered that a member of my own local club is actually a distant cousin from Ireland.