AFX Student Exchange Australia Limited

Candidate Code of Conduct

About this document

This document contains two versions of the AFX Candidate Code of Conduct: an English version for outbound Australian students placed in France (Part A), and a French version for inbound French students placed in Australia (Part B). The two versions are equivalent in meaning; each candidate signs the version in their own language as part of completing their AFX application.

Code of Conduct for Australian Students in France

Welcome to France! To ensure you have the best possible experience and make the most of your stay, here are some essential rules to follow:

1. Respect for Your Host Family

You are being welcomed into a French family, so it’s important to respect their rules and way of life.
Get involved in family life by spending time with them and helping with daily tasks if asked.
Try to stay in common areas as much as possible to encourage interaction.

2. Behaviour in School

Mobile phone use is strictly prohibited during lessons unless specifically allowed by the teacher.
Be attentive in class and participate actively. Do not disrupt lessons by sleeping or being inattentive.
Show respect to your teachers and classmates at all times.

3. Activities & Outings

You cannot organise any outings or trips without prior approval from your host family and program coordinators.
Always inform your host family of your whereabouts and stick to agreed-upon curfews.
Never leave the town or region without permission.

4. Health & Well-being

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited, both indoors and outdoors.
The consumption of alcohol or any illegal substances is strictly forbidden.

5. Safety & Responsibility

If you have any issues, speak to your host family, local coordinator, or AFX as soon as possible.
Respect local laws: alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for minors.

6. Cultural & Language Engagement

The goal of this program is immersion — speak French as much as possible.
Be curious, open-minded, and respectful of cultural differences.

7. Student Well-Being Forms

Throughout your stay, a Student Well-Being Form is sent to you, your parents, your host family, and the AFX referent at your school. These forms play a key role in helping us monitor your well-being and overall experience. Please ensure the forms are completed each time they are sent, as your feedback is essential to help us provide the best possible support. Should you have any questions or concerns at any time, feel free to contact us.

By following these guidelines, you will make the most of your experience in France and leave a positive impression on your host family and school.

We trust you to represent Australia with respect and enthusiasm!

Emma Fisher

4 months ago

I had an absolutely wonderful experience on the One Way French exchange program. I stayed with a beautiful, welcoming family in Nantes that made me feel comfortable and included from the beginning. I loved experiencing French culture, improving my language skills and becoming a part of my host family’s daily life. AFX was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. They communicated clearly, regularly checked that I felt safe and comfortable and were always available to answer questions or provide assistance. Their care and attention gave my family and I great peace of mind. I am very grateful for the experience and would highly recommend this program to other students and families.

CHRISTIE-ANN WILLIAMS

8 months ago

This was such an amazing program for my son. Highly recommend AFX. They were always so professional to deal with and I felt very assured my son was in great hands. They matched him up to a wonderful family who suited me son to a tea. We can’t wait to reciprocate when we get our French exchange staying with us.

Brezun Jullien

"We were fortunate enough to host Australian students twice with AFX. It was a fantastic experience that we highly recommend. The AFX association was perfect in supporting us throughout the entire process! It was perfect and we highly recommend them as well!"

Stirling Hookway

9 months ago

Our son had a fantastic 6week stay with a perfectly matched family and has returned almost fluent.

Lilian Zhang

My daughter spent six weeks in France as part of an exchange program via AFX. She was very lucky to have a kind and welcoming host family and a supportive exchange class. During her time there, she made many friends at school and experienced two different cultures, especially from a teenager’s perspective. The French school system is quite different from Australia’s. Students study several foreign languages, and science classes can last up to three hours, with each hour carefully planned. However, she felt that the mathematics level was generally lower than in Australia. Most French students travel to and from school by tram, and she enjoyed walking to the tram stops and chatting with friends along the way. During the Christmas holidays, her host family took her to large extended-family gatherings with grandparents and relatives. This was very different from family gatherings in Australia. Even at home, men—including children—often wore suits and bow ties. She also noticed that French people eat dinner quite late. Because of this, families usually gather around 7 pm to have drinks and snacks together, followed by dinner, and then dessert—often chocolate. She shared how much French people love chocolate. Overall, this was a wonderful experience. It not only improved her French, but also allowed her to live independently in another country and experience daily life in a different family and culture.

jenifer nguy

My daughter did the exchange program in France with the Berque family. We feel so grateful for how well they supported and cared for our daughter. She enjoyed her experience thoroughly and could not recommend them highly enough. Thanks again so much for everything. She will never forget her 6 weeks with your beautiful family.

Sally Brown

Our 17 year old daughter has just returned from her 6 week exchange in France and I can honestly say from start to finish AFX have been brilliant. Such a well run, well rehearsed operation. Our daughter was well matched with a lovely warm French family and we felt very comfortable throughout the entire journey, from the first application to her safe return home. AFX definitely exceeded our expectations and the end result is an incredible experience and lifelong memory. Probably for both families.

Nazanin Amini

I am extremely grateful to AFX for organising my son Archia’s four-week exchange to France. As a parent, I was naturally nervous at first, but AFX made the entire process smooth and reassuring from the beginning. Once we were introduced to the host family, I felt completely at ease. Throughout the exchange, Archia was well cared for, safe, and supported, and he returned with wonderful memories and new experiences. AFX was professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. I highly recommend AFX to any family considering a student exchange program.