AFS is one of the most valued, reputable, and experienced leaders of high school student exchange in the world. AFS has more than 60 years of experience in international education with 142 programs in 44 countries. Plus, we have an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.
- AFS Global Network: Every year, approximately 13,000 students choose to study abroad with the AFS international network. AFS means quality across the globe. AFS-USA exchanges its participants within a long-established, international network of AFS partner organizations. AFS partners operate according to the same mission, operating values, and quality standards.
- AFS Volunteers: Students are supported within a network of trained volunteers. With one of the largest volunteer-based networks of its kind in the world, AFS stands out from all other exchange organizations. AFS Volunteers are located all over the world in order to help and support participants, host families, and parents. While abroad, your child will have regular check-ins with a trained, personal liaison, unrelated to the host family, who provides additional support if necessary.
- Scholarships and Financial Help: We also help you get there. AFS provides approximately $1.2 million in scholarships and financial assistance to students every year. And if a student needs to raise money for their program, AFS offers advice, information, and ideas on what worked for others.
- AFS Host Families: The host families are volunteers. Since AFS host families are not paid, you can be confident they have good intentions at heart -they want your child to join their community and learn about their culture. Host families are screened and receive formal training from AFS.
- Orientations: AFS helps students and parents prepare for the experience, both at home and during multiple stages of the experience abroad. AFS provides a wide variety of support that can include services such as in-person and online orientations, handbooks, telephone conference calls, opportunities to speak with AFS Returnees, as well as local events with AFSers and Volunteers.
- Accreditation: AFS is accredited. AFS is evaluated annually and complies with the standards set forth by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is supported by the U.S. Department of State.
