How one Florida dad gained another daughter
Of his time with his current exchange student, Adriana from Germany, Chris recalls making "20 million memories, the greatest of which is life."
Article Archive
Bringing the world into your home: The unexpected effects of hosting an exchange student
An AFS Host Mom discusses how she and her family spread peace through understanding.
A Lifetime of Intercultural Exchange
Hosting an exchange student does more than impact your family's year; It can alter the course of your lives forever.
A host sister’s perspective – Gaining a sister and an open mind
My family's experience hosting a foreign exchange student has helped shape who I am today.
Far Fewer than Six Degrees of Separation
On a trip to Italy, U.S. Host Parents Gayle and Randy discover what a small world it can be when you're part of the AFS community.
Welcoming a Host Daughter, Gaining a Friend: An Interview with Emily Humphrey
Emily Humphrey shares the heartwarming story of her relationship with her host daughter Lulu, the power of the #AFSEffect, and the value of intercultural learning.
What it’s Like to Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an AFS Exchange Student opens your family to the world! We provide a glimpse into what it's like, answers to common questions, and what we do to support you.
10 Thank Yous from Hosted Students to their Teachers
We gave our hosted students the chance to thank their teachers for making them feel welcome in their classrooms and chose ten of our favorite messages.
5 things you always wanted to know about hosting an exchange student
Hosting an exchange student is an amazing opportunity to form lasting personal bonds, share your culture and values, and expand your family’s horizons. Each year, more than 2,000 families in…
AFS Host Mom Nudrat Shares Her Experience Hosting an International Student
Nudrat I. from Minnesota explains her reasons for hosting and how sharing the year with an exchange student from India has impacted her family.
Global family; lifetime of hosting starts with “Welcome”
We have gotten to know many wonderful young people, families and volunteers through our affiliations with AFS. Looking forward to traveling and visiting a lot of the young people.
An Interview with AFS Host Parent, Sheri Belton-Gonzalez
Sheri is a shining example of a global citizen with an enthusiasm for intercultural exchange. A study abroad student herself, she made it a point to leave her small town…
An Interview with AFS Alumna, Amanda Sawyer (U.S. to Spain, 2018-19)
When Amanda first decided to study abroad, her main goal was to learn Spanish. What she didn’t realize was how much more she would discover about the world and herself.…
Advice & Resources for Black Students Abroad
We know that being black abroad comes with unique challenges. You may encounter different forms of racism and colorism or find that products for your skin tone or hair type…
Featured Educator: Allison Haltom
The United Nations Global Goals, or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a great foundation for student learning. They are global in nature, yet they allow kids to focus on their…
Michelle C. Pinedo
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Returnee Spotlight: Marcio A. da Fonseca
It’s no secret that AFSers go on to do extraordinary things. Marcio A. da Fonseca is no different. Marcio, an AFS Returnee (Brazil to U.S.,1982-83) is the Director of Oral…
One year later: Local Projects from AFS-USA’s LIFT Workshop
How does AFS-USA, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with more than 70 years of experience, continue to improve the ways that it engages with local communities? At one level, the organization…
“What culture?” – Why rural areas are perfect for cultural exchange
Rural areas are ideal places to experience cultural exchange, from small-town high school spirit to traditional folk cultures, tightknit communities, and more!
Breakfast from Around the World
For the second installment of our …From Around the World series, we dig into food! Or, more specifically, breakfast. We surveyed our exchange students and asked them to submit examples…
AFS-USA Exchange Students featured in the Baltimore Sun
December 23, 2019 – On Monday, the Baltimore Sun published an article about AFS Exchange Students living with host families in the Baltimore area. The story highlights the students’ holiday…
What we learned at ACTFL’s 2019 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo
December 20, 2019—Our staff had a blast mingling with world language educators and representatives from study abroad and global learning organizations at ACTFL’s 2019 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo…
Edelweiss Scholarship
The Edelweiss Scholarship is made available by the Clarksville Edelweiss Club. Scholarship Type: Merit-based Scholarship Value: $4,000 Available Scholarships: Two (2) Applicable Programs: AFS Year or Semester Programs to Austria…
How to Write a Great Essay for the Project: Change Scholarships
To help you earn a scholarship to go abroad and become a changemaker, we’ve put together 8 tips to help you write a strong project proposal essay for the AFS…
NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel’s “AFS Effect”
Did you know that Richard Engel, NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent, is an AFSer? As a teenager in the early 1990s, Richard studied abroad in Palermo, Sicily, where he lived…
IEW Contest Winners 2019
International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative led by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange. It…
Slang from Around the World
Slang reveals much about a culture and its sense of humor, attitude, and values. It’s the words and expressions we use colloquially that are indicative of regional personality and spirit, as well as our intercultural similarities and differences.
NAASP’s “Principal Leadership” magazine publishes article by AFS-USA President Tara Hofmann
December 3, 2019—AFS-USA President & CEO Tara Hofmann’s article, “Student Exchange as a Path to Global Citizenship” is featured in the December 2019 issue of Principal Leadership, a magazine published…
Congratulations to AFS-USA’s 2019 Volunteer Recognition Awardees!
November 21, 2019—A half dozen volunteers received awards and honors during a Friday evening ceremony at the AFS-USA Volunteer Summit in Minneapolis, MN. The awards, given annually, are meant to…
Sudip Mukherjee
Sudip Mukherjee Wealth Management Advisor and Portfolio Manager, Merrill Lynch As a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Sudip develops long-term financial goals and implements customized wealth strategies.…
Jane Ransom
Jane Ransom AFS Returnee – U.S. to Italy, 1970-71 Jane has been executive director of the American Brain Foundation since 2015. A veteran nonprofit executive, she has served as chief…
Keith A. Voigt Study Abroad Scholarship
Need and merit-based scholarship for semester and year program students
Young Alumni Reflections
For more than 70 years, AFSers like you have helped advance international awareness and cultural understanding while at the same time made the world a more just and peaceful place…
In photos: “The Competitive Edge: Global Experience for a Diverse Workplace” event at IIE
NEW YORK, N.Y., November 7, 2019—Key findings of a AFS Global Alumni Survey were shared at an event Tuesday evening co-organized by AFS with the Institute of International Education, the…
New Research Report, “Creating Global Citizens: The AFS Effect”
NEW YORK, N.Y., November 6, 2019—AFS released a large-scale research report on Tuesday, focused on the impact that AFS exchanges have on the lives and careers of participants. The full-scale,…
7 Simple Ways to Promote Peace While Social Distancing
As many of us around the world are staying home to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, we’re focusing on simple acts of kindness that you can take indoors…
Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Volunteer Articles, Educators Articles, Alumni Articles
Everyday Ambassadors: Public Diplomacy and Why It Matters
When we think of international diplomacy, we might imagine heads of state at official meetings, but in fact everyone can (and should) engage in diplomacy.
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Protected: Overview of Virtual Programming
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Virtual Host Families & Peers
Thank you for volunteering to be a host family, facilitator, or peer for our YES & FLEX students! Below are details of each component of our virtual programming. Orientation: You…
Individualism & Collectivism
Individualist cultures value independence, while collectivist cultures prioritize interdependence and relationships with others.
Direct & Indirect Communication Styles
Direct communication styles make the author’s intentions obvious—they say exactly what they mean. Indirect communication styles tend to hide or camouflage the speaker or writer’s true intentions and use a more nuanced tone.
What is Culture?
Culture is not easy to define. Some aspects of culture are obvious and concrete, like art or attire, while others are less noticeable or even subconscious, like body language or the social values that dictate it.
What are Generalizations & Stereotypes?
Generalizations are a type of hypothesis, or guess, of what we expect to encounter when we interact with a certain culture. Stereotypes take generalizations too far, applying them to all members of a group.
The Year That Changed My Life
My AFS journey began in the summer of 1996, when I went on an AFS year program in France.
Advocates for international education attend summit in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 29, 2019—Key voices for international exchange convened in Washington D.C. for a two-day conference led by the Alliance for International Exchanges (“Alliance”) on October 24-25. Held annually,…
AFS Families create global friendships that last a lifetime
Hosting sounded like an enjoyable experience with many benefits, so Jacque and her family said “yes!” This began an international friendship that would span 55 years.
AFS-USA Announces Update to Company Name on LinkedIn Page
October 16, 2019 | New York, NY — AFS-USA, Inc. has announced its plan to revise the name of its LinkedIn School Page from “AFS” to “AFS Intercultural Programs USA.”…
AFS-USA leaders are featured panelists at AFS Global Conference 2019
Pictured above: Carolyn Rehn (left) and Tara Hofmann (right) speak during a session on the Innovation Stage at the AFS Global Conference 2019 in Montreal, QC. October 14, 2019—AFS-USA President…
Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
Returning home from an exchange program always comes with some challenges, like reverse culture shock and missing host communities. Host families often go through a similar transition and may feel…
Preparing College Essays and Resumes
Highlighting your Experience Many universities and employers recognize the value of a study abroad program. As you sit down to write your college essays and construct your resume, you may…
Returnee Spotlight: Host Sisters Reunite After 56 Years
In September 2019, staff from the AFS-USA Development and Alumni Affairs team visited Penelope B., a US Returnee originally from Milwaukee, in her charming apartment on the 5th floor of…
Embracing a Spanish Summer: A Reflection by AFS-USA Pride Scholar Ryan Rodriguez
Ryan Rodriguez is an AFS-USA Pride Scholar who traveled to Spain on our Global Prep program. In his personal essay, Ryan reflects on his experience abroad with his host family,…
No Visa Required
If you are an American citizen traveling to any of these countries on an AFS Summer or Global Prep Program, you will not need to obtain a visa to participate…
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Jill Woerner Appointed to Head New Educational Outreach Department at AFS-USA
New York, NY – October 3, 2019—In order to help increase intercultural awareness and global competency among all US-based high school students, not just those who choose to study abroad,…
Life in Argentina
The Essentials All Programs AFS Argentina Welcome Booklet AFS Argentina (Uruguay) Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Travel Guide Year/Semester High School Host School FAQ Visa…
Three U.S. Department of State Student Scholarships Available for 2020-21 Summer and Academic Year Programs!
AFS-USA is happy to announce that all three scholarships funded by the U.S. Department of State are now accepting applications for 2020-21 programs! We encourage you to learn more about…
8 Inspiring Hispanic Internationalists
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting influential Hispanic internationalists who advocated for peace, civil rights, and multiculturalism, either abroad or in the U.S. Our list includes artists,…
How Study Abroad Builds Your Skills and Resume
AFS develops active global citizens who help make the world a better place. Our study abroad programs empower young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for…
5 Benefits of Hosting an International Exchange Student in Your School
Educators are always looking for ways to expose their students to new cultures and ideas. In particular, world language teacher are focused on achieving the Goal Areas in the ACTFL…
Hosting with Pride: An Interview with Six-Time AFS Host Parent and Volunteer, Jerry Gulley
Jerry Gulley grew up in a small town in rural Tennessee. In high school, his best friend’s family decided to host an exchange student, Lisi from Austria in 1985. While…
An Open Letter from a Thai AFSer on Hosting
Grace Madthing is an AFSer from Thailand who turned his experience as an exchange student into a passion for diplomacy between Thailand and the U.S. In his letter, he candidly…
Life in Australia
Essentials AFS Australia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Cultural Resources “What Australian slang has given the world”- BBC…
Life in Austria
All Programs AFS Austria Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Semester High School Visa FAQs Arrival Information Year High School Visa FAQs Arrival…
Life in Belgium-Flanders
The Essentials AFS Belgium-Flanders Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ School Expectations Arrival Information Visa FAQ Language Requirements Applicants to the Year High School Programs…
Life in Belgium-French
The Essentials AFS Belgium-French Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Language Requirements Applicants to the Year High School Program in Belgium-French…
Life in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Essentials AFS Bosnia and Herzegovina Welcome Booklet Get to Know Bosnia and Herzegovina AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language…
Life in Brazil
The Essentials AFS Brazil Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Language Requirements Applicants to the Semester and Year High School Program…
Non-US Citizen FAQ
If you reside in the US but you are not a US citizen, there are additional procedures to follow in order to travel abroad on an AFS program. As a…
Life in Canada
The Essentials AFS Canada Welcome Booklet Program Calendar AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Arrival Information Digging Deeper Language Resources Duolingo (free language learning app) Rosetta Stone: French Babbel: French…
Apostilles
*Please remember that you MUST NOT REMOVE the apostille and/or staple from its attached document. Removal of either of these will destroy the authenticity of the apostille! Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California…
Life in Chile
The Essentials All Programs AFS Chile Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Year/Semester High School Arrival Information Visa FAQ Summer Homestay Visa FAQ Digging Deeper…
Music from Around the World
We’ve updated this blog to include responses from our hosted students as part of our …From Around the World series! Music is an important piece of almost every culture. As…
Life in China
The Essentials All Programs AFS China Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School Host School FAQ Medical and Academic Information Arrival Information Visa FAQ…
Life in Colombia
The Essentials Global Prep/Year/Semester AFS Colombia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide COVID-19 Specific Guidelines Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Spanish Duolingo (free language learning app) BBC…
Life in Costa Rica
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School AFS Costa Rica Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Summer Community Service…
Life in Croatia
The Essentials AFS Croatia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Learn Croatian Eurolinguiste- 100 Basic Croatian Phrases Memrise: Croatian Skolica…
Life in Czech Republic
The Essentials AFS Czech Republic Welcome Booklet Safety Tips AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Czech Language Booklet Memrise:…
Life in Denmark
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Changes to Hosting Realities (COVID-19) Year High School AFS Denmark Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Danish Educational System…
Craig Wilson
Craig Wilson U.S. to United Kingdom, 1966 Craig Wilson was a journalist for more than 40 years, spending 30 years in the newsroom at USA Today. He was a feature…
Julia E. Vollmers
Julia E. Vollmers Returnee – U.S. to France, 1997-98 Julia E. Vollmers is a Program Manager with the Federal Government in Washington, DC, with a primary focus in data and…
Patrick S. Moon
Patrick S. Moon U.S. Ambassador (ret.); Returnee – U.S. to Brazil, 1967 Patrick S. Moon is a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with the State Department. He served in Lebanon,…
William R. MacIntosh
William R. MacIntosh Returnee – U.S. to Brazil, 1964-1965 Bill MacIntosh retired in 2011 after 40+ years in uniform and business suits. Following his service as a U.S. Army Military…
William G. Meserve
William G. Meserve U.S. to Greece 1957; Young Leaders to Soviet Union 1984 Bill Meserve is a former Director and Board Chair of AFS-USA and former Trustee and Board Chair…
H. Jed Hepworth
H. Jed Hepworth U.S. to Chile 1968 During six years as Director and especially as Chair of the AFS-USA Board of Directors during the chaotic first months of the COVID-19…
James A. Kiernan III
James A. Kiernan III U.S. to Germany, 1961 James Kiernan, is chairman of the Board of Directors at the Center for Public Integrity, is a former partner with and is…
Andrea Sehl
Andrea Sehl U.S. to Switzerland, 1971-72 Andrea Sehl, known as Andie, is retired from management consulting, currently working to build the venture capital firm she helped found, and is serving…
Michael S. Schiff
Michael S. Schiff U.S. to Netherlands, 1966 Michael S. Schiff is the owner and President of Incomar Investments in Houston, Texas. He earned his BA in Communications from American University…
Ambassador (ret.) Thomas B. Robertson
Ambassador (ret.) Thomas B. Robertson U.S. to Germany 1967-68 Ambassador (ret.) Thomas B. Robertson is a returnee from the AFS year program to Germany, 1967-68, where he lived with a…
Jenny K. Messner
Jenny K. Messner U.S. to Brazil, 1970-71 With her husband Michael Messner, Jenny established the Speedwell Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship Program with AFS-USA in 2007, which ran for 12 years.…
Life in Egypt
The Essentials All Programs AFS Egypt Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year High School Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Summer Language Study Arrival…