AFS-USA (formerly the American Field Service), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.
We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That’s six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.
Contact Us
To speak with an AFS-USA Representative, call: 1-800-AFS-INFO.
* Hours (Pacific Standard Time):
* Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
* Sunday: 10am – 6pm
In case of an emergency involving an AFS participant outside of our business hours, please call 1-800-876-2376 and speak with the AFS Duty Officer.
For Parents with questions about studying abroad with AFS, please also visit this page.
AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.
Living and studying abroad will prepare you for life in ways that no other experience can–you’ll learn more, gain more, and grow more than you thought possible. You’ll be making many important decisions soon. Do it with a “real world” view. Give yourself a competitive edge on college applications and resumes. When you return, you’ll become part of a prestigious international network of AFS Returnees whom you’ll make friends with throughout your life–wherever your life takes you.
It means you’re studying abroad with one of the most valued, reputable, and experienced leaders of high school student exchange in the world. AFS has 60 years of experience in international education with programs in more than 40 countries. And, it’s one of the largest, community-based, volunteer organizations in the world––that means volunteers committed to the AFS Mission who are working together to give you the best possible experience. These are just a few of the reasons why close to 13,000 students, young adults, and teachers choose AFS for their study abroad experience each year.
While you’re abroad with AFS, you will make friends with people in your host country and with other AFS Exchange Students from around the world. That is one way you support the AFS Mission of creating a world of understanding and peace. And when you return home, your journey begins anew: you become part of a worldwide network of AFS Returnees. That group includes business leaders, politicians, diplomats, educators, entertainers, scientists, journalists, and even an astronaut. Many credit their careers to the experience of living and studying abroad with AFS.
Every year, close to 13,000 students, young adults and teachers choose to study abroad with AFS in more than 40 countries–places with programs, offices, staff, and trained and experienced AFS Volunteers. One of the reasons why AFS stands out from other exchange organizations is that AFS has one of the largest, volunteer-based networks of its kind in the world. AFS Volunteers will be there to help and support you. Read more about Safety and Risk Management within AFS.
When you return home, you’ll be part of a worldwide network of more than 370,000 people who went abroad with AFS; more than 100,000 live in the United States, while the rest live in more than 100 other countries. As you meet AFS Returnees throughout the world and throughout your life, they’ll share how their experiences helped to shape their lives—and you can share yours. Plus, don’t forget about the connections you’ll make with your host parents, host brothers or sisters, new friends, and other AFS Exchange Students on your program.
Jorge Castro, President and Partner Director
Kerry McCollum, Chief Organizational Development Officer
Keri Dooley, Chief Government Relations and Sponsored Programs Officer
Susan Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer
Kristen Bates, Chief Program Officer, Inbound
Joanne Yokoyama-Martin, Chief Program Officer, Outbound
Marlene Baker, Chief External Relations and Communications Officer
Tara Hofmann, Senior Business Strategist
Allen Clutter
Joanne Berger-Sweeney
Francesco Favotto
Jean M. Frazier
Anne Herendeen
Betty McManus
William G. Meserve
Damian Pisanelli
Mary Porterfield, Board Chair
Ambassador Thomas Robertson
Al Russell
Tsugiko Scullion
John D. Shuck
Joan Siegel
Paula M. Wardynski
Judy Weyand, Board Vice Chair
To contact the board, email board.afsusa@afs.org
Media Inquiries
Please direct media inquiries to: MBaker@afs.org
