Commited to Experiential Learning

AFS believes firmly in the value of experiential learning. Learning by experience is intrinsically motivating, is better remembered, and the skills learned are retained longer than in a classroom setting. Our framework for learning is involvement in the local culture and community. We encourage participants to become more aware of the issues affecting their host society, to engage in service to the community, and to form close relationships across cultures. When they return home, we encourage them to put their new knowledge to use.

Experiential Learning: Lead a Short Stay Program with 8-15 students

Explore Panamaian culture on a 2 week summer service program with your students. Stay in a local community and refurbish a school. Enjoy cultural enrichment activities planned for afternoons and weekends. Tour the Panama Canal and visit an indigenous tribal community by taking a canoe ride into the wild!

See the ancient civilization of China over your spring break. Your students will immerse themselves in the culture and assist Chinese students with their English lessons. Visit the Great Wall of China and other historical landmarks. This program is for 10 days and leaves from San Francisco.

Global Connections and Exchange:
One LENS Program in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam

AFS-USA is excited to announce an exciting new collaboration with the Global Nomads Group (GNG) in launching the One LENS program, which will provide project-based opportunities for students and educators from the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam to develop media literacy, intercultural, and leadership skills. Students, aged 15-17, will learn firsthand about the important role ordinary citizens can play in the 21st century as contributors to, participants in, and consumers of media. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State/ Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division.

Experiential Learning: Studying Abroad

AFS provides 1400 high school students each year the opportunity live abroad. They may spend a school year, half a year, or a summer living with a family and experiencing culture and language in an immersion program. More than 50 countries welcome students from the U.S. around the world.

Experiential Learning: Hosting International Students

AFS offers homes to 2500 high school students in the United States each year.  These students are welcomed into families for a new learning experience in American culture. Students are welcomed for a school year, half a year, and summer programs.

Students are eager to learn and experience what it’s like to live in the U.S. as a member of a family, school and community. Students live with a Host Families and are support by volunteers who work with students, their host parents, and high school administrators and teachers.