As civil unrest escalates in cities across our nation precipitated by the murder of George Floyd, we are once again reminded of the critical importance of our work and mission. All of us who are in any way connected to AFS-USA, understand that it is our responsibility to promote and create a more just and peaceful world. Especially during times like these, we are reminded of our values and keep them in the forefront of our minds.
Exchange your perspective
AFS-USA in Action:
The COVID-19 Response Fund
AFSers are made for times like these, but we need your help. As we bring students home and support thousands of families and volunteers, we are also delivering virtual learning tools and online explorations to create more global citizens. Help us go above and beyond the call of duty as we follow in the footsteps of our founders.
Study abroad, host an international exchange student, or volunteer. Connect across cultures, be a global citizen, and promote peace.
Our Mission and Impact
100 years of volunteerism. 70 years of exchange.
AFS-USA honors the legacy of its founders—volunteer WWI and WWII American Field Service ambulance drivers—who emerged from the wars with a bold mission: to help prevent future conflict through cultural exchange and understanding.
As a partner in the global AFS network, AFS-USA offers international exchange and education opportunities in over 45 countries and hosts exchange students from 90 countries. True to the spirit of our founders, these intercultural programs are made possible by the dedicated work of AFS Volunteers—more than 4,400 in the U.S. and over 50,000 worldwide.
Our diverse study abroad programs vary in length from a year to a few weeks and cover timely and timeless topics such as sustainability and language learning. What every program has in common is a commitment to fostering intercultural and global competence in our students, host families, schools, and communities. This cultural exchange helps us come together, across typical divides, to make a more peaceful and just world. That’s the #AFSEffect.
Explore the World from Home
Quarantine is temporary, but curiosity and wonder about the world is endless. As we’re social distancing, we can still continue international exchange online, become global citizens, and plan our next adventures.