AFS coordinator Robin Lang discusses Geneva High School's exchange student program

In the heart of Geneva, Illinois, the City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, took a moment to celebrate cultural exchange and community involvement. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Robin Lang, the hosting coordinator for AFS Intercultural Programs, stepped up to the podium to introduce the foreign exchange students currently residing in the city.

Lang, who has dedicated over 40 years to fostering international connections, highlighted the presence of four exchange students in Geneva this year, all part of government-sponsored programs through the Department of State. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she encouraged the community to consider hosting students in the future, emphasizing the enriching experience it offers both families and students alike.

“Geneva usually has quite a few students,” Lang noted, urging residents to spread the word about hosting opportunities. She pointed out that, despite the city’s rich history of welcoming exchange students for the past 75 years, there are currently no families signed up to host for the next year. “Finding host families is often the biggest challenge,” she explained, underscoring the importance of community support in maintaining this long-standing tradition.

Lang also shared exciting opportunities for local students interested in traveling abroad and for teachers who wish to incorporate global learning into their classrooms. She mentioned an upcoming AFS youth assembly in New York, calling for nominations of teachers who inspire world learning through their lessons.

As the meeting progressed, the Council members listened attentively, recognizing the value of cultural exchange in enriching the community. The discussion served as a reminder of Geneva's commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for diverse cultures, ensuring that the spirit of international friendship continues to thrive in the city.

With the call for host families echoing in the chamber, the meeting concluded on a hopeful note, leaving attendees with a sense of purpose and the potential for new connections that could shape the future of Geneva’s cultural landscape.