Alex Winkels is an AFS-USA participant who joined one of the pilot Domestic Programs, Pathfinder: NextGen Careers, during the summer of 2026. Hosted at Miami University of Ohio, Alex explored fields such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence, technology, and entrepreneurship alongside fellow students from across the U.S. Through workshops, presentations, and hands-on exploration, participants connected their interests to real-world career pathways while strengthening skills that are essential for success in an interconnected world, such as collaboration and problem-solving.
What made you want to join an AFS-USA Domestic Program?
The Pathfinder domestic program seemed very enticing to me because of the opportunity it presented. Being able to view multiple different careers as well as their benefits and downsides appealed to me as a very useful benefit in my life going forward.
What was it like to learn about STEM and related career fields alongside fellow teens from around the U.S?
The STEM fields I found to be the most interesting part of the program. There was a lot of really advanced equipment for us to view; it seemed as though they had a machine for every possible problem that could arise. Getting to experience STEM with the friends I had made on the trip gave me some valuable insight as I talked to them [about] their perspectives for different careers.
Why do you think programs like this one are important for young people in our country, especially right now?
With the job market ever evolving in this country, obtaining as much relevant knowledge when you’re young can help shape what you think is right for you, moving on with your life. There will always be something new in the job market, and learning about what will be necessary – as well as what will not – is very important.
How will this program affect your own approach to learning, as well as your future career path and passions?
I think my collaboration with other people improved significantly as a result of this trip. That is most of what we learned, and how useful it [is] to know how to properly collaborate and work together with the people around you. When you work together, you can achieve so much more. The program also made me realize what kind of jobs are available in the future and helped influence my decisions on what I think people will need in the future.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I personally found the program to be very enjoyable and a good chance to experience a lot of new things and meet a lot of new people. Everyone came from different sides of the United States, and I got to really meet them and have thorough conversations about what it was like in their [towns.] The trip also [provided] many chances to see and try new things – it was even heavily encouraged. This taught me that amazing experiences like this are a fleeting thing and they need to be utilized to the fullest.
Interested in learning more about AFS-USA Domestic Programs? Visit our domestic programs page to discover the impact of domestic programming on U.S. students and communities – and stay tuned for updates on next year’s offerings!