AFS and International Clubs

​Celebrate, Find Friends, Explore the World!

AFS and International Clubs provide informal ways for students to learn about from each other and experience intercultural events. A club can provide ways to share travels, talk about family customs and cultures from around the world, and support international students.

Recruitment

Students with international interests, travel experience, world language skills, and intercultural awareness are a place to start. An event celebrating the international roots of the school population such as an International Fair, or social events such as an international film festival may be a place to start.  Linking to local international groups, inviting them to speak or perform or share food is also a good beginning. Promote through students and you’re off!

Meetings

The meetings should be interesting and open to all, demonstrating acceptance of cultures and ideas. Work with the group to explore a calendar of national and cultural celebrations around the world. Look at ways to incorporate and international aspect to ongoing school events from athletics to dances. Consider sponsoring events open to the entire school. Think about ways to feature international students in classes and around the community. Partner with local international organizations, libraries, and social/civic organizations with an interest in world partnerships on topics of interest.

Activities

Let the students lead. Suggest ideas like international meal night, or meal days working with the school food service. Explore an international fair where students and their families can share traditional music, dance, dress and food. Offer open forums for discussion of international events or crises and invite the school newspaper. Plan field trips to ethnic sections of the community with members of the community when celebrations are occurring and visit shops, groceries, restaurants, and arts centers. Look for movies that focus on international and intercultural themes and schedule a movie night for students, or for adults as a fundraiser. Explore and celebrate the world.

Sponsorships

Consider welcoming, supporting or sponsoring an exchange student. Invite families who have hosted international students, and people who have studied abroad, to speak about their experience. Contact AFS for a speaker in your area.