After returning from your AFS exchange, you may be asking: “How can I get involved as an AFS Returnee?” Now is an ideal time to help others realize the unparalleled benefits of studying abroad. Here are five simple ways to become involved as a Returnee and help others realize what AFS is all about:
1. Facebook Me
One of the easiest ways to become an active AFS Returnee is to join the ‘Ask an AFSer’ Facebook Group. This active community connects interested students with Returnees, answering any questions related to AFS exchange.
2. Sweet Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, and you’ve likely captured some “Kodak” moments during your exchange. We would love to check out your photos and possibly feature them online for interested students to visualize their own exchange. Send us any pictures you took while studying abroad—your host family, friends, host town or city, school — anything quirky and cool! You can email us photos directly or send a link to them online.
3. Lights, Camera, AFS Action
Reading about experiences is one thing; inspirational pictures another…but how about videos? Documenting your abroad experience through video gives future AFSers unprecedented access to AFS reality. Did you shoot a video of some crazy activity with friends, your host brother’s birthday party or an awkward dining experience? For anything AFS-related, please send us your video links, and we may add them to AFStv, the AFS YouTube channel designed for AFS inspiration!
4. AFS was totally worth it…
Studying abroad costs money (duh.) How did you save money for your AFS experience? Did you have a part-time job, a weekly dog-sitting gig or a local business sponsorship? Sharing your AFS fundraising strategy will help interested students realize the possibility of studying abroad, regardless of the price tag. Check out the AFS Fundraising Wiki and add to the growing list of fundraising ideas.
5. Get Involved Locally: Register as an AFS Volunteer
To connect with Returnees and volunteers in your area, register as an AFS volunteer. Once registered, you will have the opportunity to conduct school presentations, organize AFS gatherings, and much more. Email vol.reg@afs.org for more information.
Send us your information! If we have your updated contact details, AFS can keep you up-to-speed on the various ways Returnees can spread AFS knowledge and become a lifelong active member of the global AFS network. Take a minute to email us with three simple things:
- Name
- Preferred Email Address
- Current Mailing Address (Off to college? We’d love to know where!)
