Students discover schools teach more than the 3 R’s
by Kristine Goodrich White Bear PressA variety of elective choices, lunch at school and sports and clubs after school are among the best perks of studying in the U.S., four…
Article Archive
AFS Students from Switzerland Thrive in Florida
May 10, 2012 — Two AFS Students from Switzerland explain their experiences as exchange students in Central Florida.By Julie Smith The Seminole VoiceSaying goodbye to your family and boarding a…
Jim Walker Joins AFS-USA’s Board of Directors
Pictured: Jim Walker (center) with two participants of the AFS Comparative Religion Program to Turkey, Summer, 2013. February 8, 2019 | New York, NY — In December of 2018, the AFS-USA…
Whanganui High School
Whanganui High School is a modern, co-educational school of approximately 1,500 students and over 160 staff. Their International Department has about 65 international students, which make up five percent of…
Western Heights High School
Western Heights is a state, coeducational school with a student body of 1,550. It is Rotorua’s most popular and largest high school, offering excellent pastoral care and student safety. Academically,…
Whakatane High School
Unfortunately, enrollment for this school is FULL for the 2020 school year. Check out other New Zealand Global Choice schools that are still accepting new students for 2020. Whakatane High…
Hillmorton High School
Hillmorton High School is a coeducational school with approximately 750 students, including 20 to 25 international students. With a diverse student body, students come from over 40 ethnic backgrounds contributing…
Papanui High School
Papanui High School is a coeducational, uniform school located in suburban Christchurch, which is ten minutes from both the city center and the airport. It has the benefit of being…
Te Puke High School
Te Puke High School is a semi-rural, uniform, coeducational secondary school located in the township of Te Puke, approximately 10 minutes from the coast. Te Puke High School has a…
Aotea College
Aotea College is a multicultural, co-educational school of 930 students, located in the beautiful Porirua Basin. The college has a long-standing tradition of welcoming international students and offering them an…
Rangitoto College
Rangitoto College is renowned nationally and internationally for offering students a kind environment in which they can develop academically and personally. With 40 different kinds of sports to choose from…
10 Thank You Letter Examples from Hosted Students to their Teachers
When adjusting to a new culture, community, and school, a teacher can make all the difference in a hosted student’s first few months. We gave our hosted students the opportunity…
New Zealand Travel Tips
New Zealand is a wonderland of incredibly beautiful, diverse ecosystems and geography. It’s an otherworldly, exciting destination that’s home to turquoise waters and sandy beaches, lush forests and gorges, glaciers…
Western Springs College
Western Springs College is a co-educational, uniform school located in central Auckland. Western Springs is known for the friendliness of its students, high quality of its education, as well as…
Why Summer is an Ideal Time to Study Abroad
Picture yourself strolling the cobblestone streets of Italy this summer, gelato in hand. Or, maybe you’re exploring the multifaceted beauty of Japan’s landscapes as you attend language classes and learn shodo (calligraphy). If you’re a…
AFS Host Mom Nudrat Shares Her Host Family Experience
Nudrat I. is a host mom from Minnesota who is currently hosting AFS international student Saniya from India. Nudrat explains her reasons for hosting and the impact her host family…
The 9 Best Places to Study Abroad this Summer
Summer is an exciting time to step outside of your routine and try something completely new. One way to take advantage of this period of transformation is to go abroad…
Want to make an impact this summer? These 5 volunteer abroad programs will help you do it.
5 incredible volunteer abroad programs If you’re like many high schoolers, you’ve dreamed of going abroad and seeing the world. But, you’d also like to make a difference to the…
Stories: The Lopez-Jones Family
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can be in the US.” …
Stories: The Pisanelli Family
“I discovered what a great parent I can be and this has motivated me to adopt a child.” –Damian Pisanelli Damian Pisanelli and Alex from Germany Fifteen years after my…
5 Things To Know About Hosting Foreign Exchange Students
Hosting foreign exchange students 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…
Letters to Future Exchange Students
May, 2018 — This past mid-May, dozens of exchange students across the Carolinas spent a few hours together to consider the year they are wrapping up and what it will…
Why Your Family Should Host an Italian Exchange Student
In today’s era of misleading headlines and political divisions, separating fact from fiction can be tricky, especially when it comes to learning about another culture and its values. That’s a…
Stories: Real Host Families
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can be in the US.” The Lopez-Jones family Read their story…
Tara Boyce-Hofmann Appointed President of AFS-USA
An important announcement from the Chair of the AFS-USA Board of Directors, Joan B. Siegel November 28, 2018 After almost 40 years of dedicated service to AFS, and upon deep…
Celebrate Cultural Diversity this 4th of July
The 4th of July conjures classically American images: baseball, fireworks, hotdogs, Bruce Springsteen. It’s the day we celebrate the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation and…
Jenny & Beth’s Multicultural Family: “Two is better than one”
Jenny O. and Beth R. were very familiar with foreign exchange and travel– Jenny’s family hosted students three separate times while she was in high school, they’ve lived abroad together,…
6 Ways Studying Abroad in Italy Builds College and Career Choices
Italy is one of the most popular destinations for travelers and it’s clear why – stunning landscapes, striking art and architecture, and incredible cuisine. What’s not to love? Italy is…
What to Pack When You Go Abroad
Maybe you’re rushing to pack before your flight tomorrow and need some quick tips on how to fit your life into a 50lb checked bag. Or maybe you’re still months…
What Do You Know of What You Heard
Goal: Participants will recognize the widespread use of stereotypes. Time: 20–30 minutes. Materials: Large sheets of newsprint, tape, markers, and wall space or other surfaces to which newsprint may be…
Walk Apart, Walk Together
This activity is appropriate for a wide variety of ages, ranging from elementary school to adult. Since it requires no special materials, it can be conducted in almost any setting.…
Understanding Your Identity
Overview: There are many factors and attributes that affect the way we identify ourselves. Elements such as our background, culture, race, and ethnicity have an important role in our identity.…
The Hidden Ways in Which Culture Differs
Goal: Using the iceberg analogy, teach students to look at the hidden dimensions when comparing different cultures. Objectives: Students will be able to: Become aware of the hidden parts of…
The Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Overview: The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki changed the course of history and have had a significant long term effects on the victims. Students will get the opportunity to…
Taking Action for the Environment
Overview: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) declared June 5 as World Environmental Day in order to create awareness on issues surrounding the planet, encouraging citizens to take global action. The purpose…
The Potato Activity
Goal: To help youth eliminate stereotypes and to recognize the uniqueness of each individual Time: 20-30 minutes Materials: A brown paper bag, one potato for each student in the class,…
Observations vs Judgments
Overview: This lesson plan will study the concept of culture by further exploring the differences between a cultural generalization (an extension of the concept of observation) and a Cultural Stereotype…
Microfinance: A Poverty-Fighting Tool
Overview: In September 2000 society’s attention was drawn to certain social and economic issues impacting us on a global scale through the development of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals (MDG).…
I have a dream
Overview: Dr. Martin Luther King is known to many as one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. His passion and enthusiasm for social justice and equality…
Generalization vs Stereotypes
Overview: The goal of this lesson to explore the concept of culture and to provide a clear understanding of culture, a generalization vs. stereotypes, and the ways in which values…
Fostering Cultural Diplomacy in the Classroom
Overview: The purpose of this activity is to expose students to the important benefits of cultural diplomacy during International Education Week, as a way to foster mutual understanding, empathy and respect…
Exploring Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Overview: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees defines a refugee as person who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality,…
Exploring Islamic Traditions: Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr
Overview of Islamic Culture & Muslim Traditions Lesson Plan Each year, Muslims from across the globe take part in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr marking the official end of Ramadan.…
Examining Humanitarianism
Overview: The United Nations declared August 19 as World Humanitarian Day, as a way to commemorate the 2003 bombing of the U.N in Baghdad, Iraq, as well as a way to…
Examining Current Social Movements
Overview: Beth Simone Noveck, former United States Deputy Chief Technology Officer, once stated, “In the 21st Century, you have to use technology as one of the tools in the toolkit…
Education for All #BringBackOurGirls
Overview: Several countries have banded together in order to promote gender equality in education with the goal of eradicating gender disparity in the classroom. Even still, there are several social,…
Exploring Cultural Values
Goal: Exploring what students consider to be typical U.S. cultural values while comparing them to their perceptions. Objectives: Students will be able to: Become aware of what are considered typical…
Cultural Influence on Judgments
Goal: To help students understand how culture plays an integral role in how we analyze and view the world. To realize how people commonly judge a situation or make daily…
Connect the Dots
Goal: Participants will experience the fact that we often subconsciously limit our perspectives and alternatives. Time: 15–30 minutes, depending on discussion. Materials: Copies of the “Connect the Dots” handout Pencil…
Chair Keith Stock
Chair Keith Stock U.S. to Panama, 1969 Keith Stock is an international strategist and private markets investment manager in his roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial…
Co-Chair John T. Colas
Co-Chair John T. Colas U.S. to Belgium, 1979-80 John T. Colas serves as Partner and Vice Chairman of Oliver Wyman Financial Services Americas. He has worked in each of the…
Richard Engel
Richard Engel U.S. to Italy, 1990-91 Richard Engel serves as NBC News’s chief foreign correspondent. He previously served as the network’s Middle East correspondent and Beirut Bureau chief. Engel was…
Carson Gleberman
Carson Gleberman U.S. to Switzerland, 1976 Carson Gleberman has worked for McKinsey & Company, Citibank and The Viral Hepatitis & Liver Disease Foundation, and most recently served as the Executive…
Sarah Yancey
Chairperson, Sustainable Youth Ministry Team, Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church Vice-Chair, AFS Volunteer Sarah Yancey is a retired educator who taught middle and high school English in Alexandria, VA, and was…
Wim Wiewel
President, Lewis & Clark College Returnee – Netherlands to the U.S., 1968-69; Volunteer Wim Wiewel, who came from the Netherlands to the U.S. as an AFS student in 1968, is…
Peter Westort
Treasurer | Host Parent; Sending Parent; Volunteer
Jim Walker
Returnee – U.S. to Indonesia, 1987-88 Host Parent Jim Walker is an AFS Returnee from the year program to Indonesia, 1987-88, and from a short summer program in Turkey, 2013.…
Matthew van Steenwyck
Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Longbow Technology Ventures Sending Parent Matthew van Steenwyck, known as Matt, is the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer for Longbow Technology Ventures, a…
Susan Moon
Healthcare Executive in Data Analytics Returnee – U.S. to Finland, 1979-80; Host Parent Susan Moon is an AFS Returnee from the U.S. to Finland, 1979-80, and served as Area Chair…
Krishen Mehta
Senior Adviser, Tax Justice Network and Former Partner, PwC AFS Sending Parent and Returnee Krishen Mehta is a writer, teacher, and speaker on issues of global tax justice. Prior to…
Debra Maly
Speech Pathologist Chair of the National Council; Host Parent Debra Maly, known as Deb, is the Chair of AFS-USA’s volunteer representative body, the National Council. Deb became involved with AFS…
Emre Evren
Senior Consultant, The Hartford Financial Services Returnee – Turkey to the U.S., 1984-85 Emre Evren joined the AFS-USA National Council in 2013. He is an AFS Returnee from Turkey to…
Diana Deem
Secretary | Host Parent; Sending Parent
Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President of Trinity College | Host Parent; Sending Parent
Robert Stableski
Vice Chair | Volunteer
Marlene Baker
Chief Development, Communications, and Alumni Relations Officer Marlene Baker spent the first 25 years of her career in senior management positions in marketing and communications. After 12 years with Marriott…
Keri Dooley
Chief Government Relations and Sponsored Programs Officer
Melvin Harmon
Chief Officer of Marketing, Customer Experience, and Strategic Advancement International student exchange has been a part of Melvin Harmon’s life for more than 40 years, starting with his own AFS…
H. Jed Hepworth
Returnee – U.S. to Chile, 1968-69; Host Parent Jed Hepworth is a Returnee from the AFS year program to Chile 1968-69. He retired in 2015 after 39 years of service…
Tara Boyce-Hofmann
President and Partner Director
Wendy Kuran
Returnee – U.S. to Finland, 1974-75 Wendy Kuran leads Duke University’s development efforts in China, focused on raising philanthropic funds from Chinese nationals for Duke Kunshan University. DKU, which opened…
6 lessons from the AFS Returnee who went to space
AFS Returnee Samantha Cristoforetti adjusts her Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit. Photo Credit: NASA For many AFS participants, studying abroad is the beginning of a lifelong international journey. For Italian…
Plump your Piggy Bank
If you don’t mind digging around for coins… As simple as it seems, finding change in your family’s couch or just simply asking friends and family members for their coins,…
Family Matches
If your family is willing to pitch in… Even though many people may like to support you, giving money is difficult. You can encourage your friends and family to help…
Coaster for a Cause
If you are a thrill seeker… Six Flags-affiliated amusement parks will occasionally hold “Coasters for a Cause” events during the month of May (or maybe other months of the year…
Create-Your-Own-A-Thon
If you are a goal setter and a go-getter… Organize a bike-a-thon, a pump iron-a-thon, a skate-a-thon, a walk-a-thon, a trash-a-thon, bowl-a-thon, jump-rope-a-thon, etc. Set a goal before you talk…
Drive-In Movie Night
If you are a movie buff… Find a place in your community to host your event. The location must have a flat surface where you can project the movie (i.e.…
Shave Your Head
If you aren’t too attached to a full head of hair… Create a campaign around shaving your head (or one of your friend’s head) by having people donate to your…
Pet Sitting
If you are good with animals… Depending on the type of pets you feel comfortable around, design a flyer that advertises your availability to pet sit for friends, family or…
Doggy Dip
If you don’t mind getting your hands wet… Host a doggie (or pet) wash for people that will pay to have you (and any friends you enlist) to bathe their…
Dog Walking
If you know owners who don’t have much time for their dog… Make posters to advertise so people know why you are fundraising. Charge per half hour or block walked.…
We’ve Got Spirit. How ’bout You?
If you are bursting with school spirit… Talk to your school principal about hosting a decorating contest (i.e. lockers, classroom doors, hallway posters, etc.). Be sure you get the appropriate…
Choose your Teacher’s Hair Color
If you have a teacher who is up for anything… Choose three to five outrageous colors and find a favorite teacher willing to dye his/her hair. Have students and faculty…
Valentine Balloons
If you enjoy playing Cupid… Selling helium balloons can be a great fundraiser around Valentine’s Day. Take orders 3 weeks prior to the holiday. Contact a local balloon shop to…
Tournament Snack Bar
If you are a sports fan… Ask your school if you can run the concession stand for a tournament and keep the profits as a fundraiser. Be sure you state…
Scrub-a-dub
If you are all about whipping up suds… Get permission from your school, church, or a local store to use its parking lot for your car wash. Advertise your car…
Recycle Electronics
If you have a stash of outdated devices… Ecophones Recycling Fundraiser could pay you up to $300 per item you recycle through their program (http://www.ecophones.com/). Ask parents, neighbors, co-workers and…
Gift Wrapping
If you have a pair of scissors and a roll of tape… Do some research to determine where you could volunteer during holiday seasons to wrap gifts. Often times, malls…
Print Address Labels
If you are good with a computer… Make return address labels and sell them for a set price (i.e. $5.00-$10.00 for 100 labels). Check local office supply stores to find…
Work Vouchers
If you are an all-around hard worker… Sell vouchers (or books of vouchers) entitling the buyer to an hour (or more) of work. You may want to design two types…
Paper or Plastic?
If you are always bagging your family’s groceries at the store… Bagging groceries for tips at your local grocery store is a fundraiser that requires some planning, but could yield…
Gophering
If you are detail oriented and can juggle many tasks at the same time… Devise a plan and time table to run errands for your friends and neighbors. Make flyers…
Colossal Clean Up
If you are a leader and can assemble an army of helpers… Contract with the management of your local fairgrounds or stadium to do cleanup after a major event. Recruit…
Garage Sale
If you know a lot of people who need to purge some belongings… Gather and organize any unwanted items from your family and friends. Enlist your friends and family to…
Yard Work
If you like fresh-cut grass and a little dirt under your nails… After getting permission from your parents, go door-to-door in your neighborhood and offer to wash windows or cars,…
Guest Chef
If you don’t need a sous chef to make a meal… Offer your cooking skills to families that might find they don’t have enough time to cook a meal at…
Create a Cookbook
If you are well organized… Ask you friends, family, classmates, teachers, etc. to submit their favorite recipes to you for inclusion in your cookbook. Spend some time thinking about how…
Master of the Kitchen
If you can channel your inner Gordon Ramsay… Make a list of the items you are able to make. You could sell cookies, pies, cakes and brownies, or go bigger…
Host an Internationally-Themed Dinner
If you are good in the kitchen… Host an internationally-themed dinner party where you make a cuisine from your future host country! If you prefer getting some help rather than…
Cooking for Cash
If you are a party planner… Organize a school-, church- or community-wide spaghetti dinner, ice cream social, salad bar, omelet or pancake breakfast, etc. When setting the price of each…