The host family handbook as well as additional resources for host families can be found at http://www.afsusa.org/host-family/resources/
Here is a list of the updates to the “2019 Host Family Handbook”, aside from formatting and other misc. edits. The “2019 Host Family Handbook” did not make any changes to existing AFS-USA policies. It does explain some of details about some existing policies, for anyone who might have had questions about them. Compliance added more details on “Activity Waivers”, per the revised Activity Waiver for 2019.
• Throughout the handbook, embedded links to all referenced pages and websites were added (to make the handbook more user-friendly and convenient to read on digital devices)
• The Host Family Quotes were condensed and moved from the Additional References in the back of the handbook to the relevant sections throughout the HF Handbook (as helpful insights and anecdotes on specific topics/sections)
• Sponsored Programs added FLEX to all mentions of SP students (the FLEX program was recently approved to resume for NH19)
• ICL added the “Cultural Adjustment Cycle” on p. 16 (that explains both the adjustment cycle for students as well as host parents throughout the year)
• Support added “Understanding the Personal Space Bubble” on p. 20-21 and “Gestures Across Cultures” on p. 21 (as helpful culture-specific information to assist host families with relating to and understanding their AFS student cultural background)
• Travel Dept. updated the text on p. 31 and p. 73 (so the information on specific travel details, such as packing and departures, is easier to understand)
• Compliance updated the “School Activities” and added “Activity Waiver” sections on p. 45-48 (as the 2019 Activity Waiver was revised and clarified more in detail about specific activities)
• “Sexual Mores” was retitled as “Cultural Attitudes Towards Sexual Behavior” on p. 49 (as the new title is easier to understand)
• “Pornography & the Internet” sections were combined and condensed on p. 51-52 (as to avoid redundant text and reduce the total number of pages)
• Compliance clearly explained what is the “Prudent Parent Stay” on p. 68 (in case host families felt confused on the policy)
• Sponsored Programs revised the wording on p. 68 to better reflect the unchanged timeline requirements for requesting SP student travel outside the USA and the details regarding different SP students’ departures on p. 71-72 (to help host families that may be planning any trips)
• In the Resources section, the “Culture Survey” and “Individualism Survey” were removed (as they were redundant and is covered on p. 37-39)
• In the “Participant and Host Family Questionnaire” on p. 83, several questions [#2-6] were added (to help host families establish clear expectations for students)
• In the Resources section, the “voice” of the text on p. 87-91 has been adjusted so it is now host family-focused (so it makes more sense to host families as they read through those sections)
• In the Resources section, the “AFS Educational Goals” on p. 101-103 and “Cultural Iceberg” on p.103-104 were added (so that host families can know more about the AFS Student Learning Journey and essential ICL content)
• In the Resources section, Support added the “Hosted Students and Doctors Visits” on p.120-121 (as a helpful handout for host families)