Contact:
Mason Cole
Communications Director
440-286-0409
Chardon Schools hosting AFS exchange students
April 25, 2025 (CHARDON, OH) — Chardon Local Schools has a proud 35-year history of welcoming the world through AFS Intercultural Programs. This tradition of global exchange has enriched our school and community, and we're excited to announce the opportunity for local families to host an AFS student in the 2025-26 school year.
We'd like to introduce you to just a few of the bright and enthusiastic students who are eager to become part of a Chardon family:
Alvaro, Male Age 16. Spain Fall Year 2025. "Adventurous Álvaro from Spain is a curious student who loves swimming, traveling, and exploring cultures. As a competitive swimmer, he trains regularly and enjoys improving his times with his teammates, who feel like family. Living by the beach, he also enjoys water sports and wants to take a lifeguard class. After attending surf camps in Portugal and Ireland, he was inspired to do a year abroad. He values family time, often cooking healthy meals or sharing barbecues with his dad. Every day is a chance for growth and adventure! Álvaro hopes for a happy host family to share great experiences with!"
Ben, Male Age 16. Germany Fall Year 2025. "Ben loves to play basketball, tennis, and volleyball, among other sports! Ben earns excellent grades yet makes sure he maintains balance through sports, table games, or hiking on weekends with his friends. This diligent student from Germany is adventurous and curious about the world. He is curious about the United States landscapes but sharing experiences with his host family is Ben's top priority through this program. Ben enjoys working with kids too; he is a certified basketball referee for younger teams, and a supervisor for a children's summer camp. He also can't wait to cook for you!"
Carl, Male Age 15. Germany Fall Year 2025. "Carl is a kind, sporty guy from northern Germany who is in love with basketball! He plays basketball for a club team and recently got his license to referee. Carl and his dad enjoy connecting with each other over basketball games. On weekends, he spends time catching up with his younger sister. He volunteers at a food bank with his mom and is very empathetic. Carl's teacher describes him as funny, reliable, and friendly. Carl is excited to share his German traditions and perhaps cook something with his host family. Carl is open minded and cannot wait to immerse himself in his U.S. community."
Mira, Female Age 16. Germany Fall Year 2025. "Mira is an adaptable, positive student who likes to connect with others. Her friends and family also describe her as independent, curious, enthusiastic, responsible and mature. In her free time she enjoys spending time in nature, playing tennis, doing archery and socializing with friends and family. Mira also likes skiing, reading, playing chess, and listening to music. In school her favorite classes are history, English, and Spanish. One day Mira hopes to study medicine but also loves learning new languages. Mira is ready to make lasting, meaningful friendships, grow, and maybe learn a hobby!"
Kantanut, Male Age 17. Thailand Fall Year 2025. "Kantanut is a kind, reliable, and responsible boy from Thailand. After school, he likes to play soccer, table tennis, or card games with his friends and he enjoys helping with his school's volunteer projects. Kantanut's favorite subject in school is math and he hopes to become an engineer like his dad! Kantanut is fascinated by technology! His family loves to meet with relatives who live nearby. Kantanut lived for a month with a host family in the United Kingdom and is excited to have a longer exchange in the United States. Kantanut is family-oriented and is ready to become part of an American family!"
Caterina, Female Age 17. Italy Fall Year 2025. "Cheerful, social and empathetic Caterina approaches both school and extracurriculars with passion and dedication. She has an insatiable curiosity about the world to discover, learn and experience new things. Caterina plays basketball for her school team and is the sports writer for the school paper. Her father, an AFS student himself, has been her role model for resilience and perseverance and they share a passion for watching sports together! Always ready to help others and offer kind words, Caterina forms meaningful connections with everyone she meets. Caterina will surely be a gem to host."
Hosting an AFS student offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange for the entire family. If you'd like to learn more about opening your home to one of these exceptional students, please contact Katherine Caporossi at (440) 477-0940 or [email protected]. Additional information is also available at afsusa.org/host.
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