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…
Author: scarr
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.
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.…
Keith A. Voigt Study Abroad Scholarship
Need and merit-based scholarship for semester and year program students
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.
Protected: Travel
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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.
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,…
Protected: Surveys
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Protected: Student Stipends
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Protected: Community Service
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Protected: Tutoring
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Protected: Religious Advisors
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Protected: Host Family Incidental Allowance and Immunizations
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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 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…
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…
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…
Life in Finland
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year/Semester High School AFS Finland Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Finnish Education System Brochure Arrival Information Visa FAQ Changes to…
Life in France
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year/Semester High School AFS France Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information Arrival Information (January Departure) Visa FAQ Summer Language Study…
Life in Germany
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School AFS Germany Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Visa FAQ Green Summer School AFS Germany Welcome…
Life in Ghana
The Essentials All Programs AFS Ghana Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Daily Expectations Year High School Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Summer Team…
Life in Guatemala
The Essentials Global Prep AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Spanish Duolingo (free language learning app) BBC Spanish Language Guide LiveMocha: Spanish Learn Basic…
Life in Hong Kong
The Essentials AFS Hong Kong Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Memrise: Cantonese Learn Cantonese…
Coming Home: An Interview with AFS Alum, Stephen Zhang (China to U.S., ’07-’08)
In high school, Stephen Zhang knew he was ready for something new. He wondered what it would be like to start a new life beyond the comforts of his routine…
Life in Hungary
The Essentials All Programs AFS Hungary Welcome Booklet Safety Tips AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year/Semester High School Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Summer Homestay Arrival Information…
Life in Iceland
The Essentials AFS Iceland Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Arrival Information Host School FAQ Visa FAQ Icelandic Language Learning Materials- Audio The Alphabet Song The Alphabet Consonants…
Life in India
The Essentials All Programs AFS India Welcome Booklet AFS India Participant Handbook Safety Tips Focus on India AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year High School Host School FAQ Educational…
Life in Indonesia
The Essentials AFS Indonesia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Language Instruction AFS Indonesia offers language lessons once a…
Life in Ireland
The Essentials All Programs Ireland Welcome Booklet for Year Programs Summer Program Welcome Information Ireland Rules & Laws AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Packing Guide Parent Letter Arrival Information…
Life in Italy
The Essentials All Programs AFS Italy Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School Host School FAQ Italian School System 101 Arrival Information Visa FAQ…
Life in Japan
The Essentials All Programs AFS Japan Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School Host School FAQ Characteristics of Japanese High School Life Arrival Information…
Life in Kenya
The Essentials Global Prep AFS Kenya Welcome Booklet Living with a Kenyan Host Family AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Swahili Live Lingua Project:…
Life in Latvia
The Essentials AFS Latvia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Changes to Hosting Realities (COVID-19) Digging Deeper Language Resources…
Life in Mexico
The Essentials AFS Mexico Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Spanish Duolingo (free language learning app) Memrise:…
Life in Nepal
The Essentials Global Prep AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Digging Deeper Language Resources Learn 101: Nepali ilanguages: Learn Nepali Omniglot: Useful Phrases in Nepali Free Nepali Guru App Nepali: A…
Life in New Zealand
The Essentials AFS New Zealand Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Cultural Resources Hofstede Center: New Zealand BBC: New…
Life in Norway
The Essentials AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Visa FAQ Year High School Program AFS Norway Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information Digging Deeper Language Resources Norwegian Language Booklet…
Life in Panama
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School AFS Panama Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Year/Semester Community Service AFS…
Life in Paraguay
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year/Semester High School AFS Paraguay Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Year/Semester Community Service AFS Paraguay Welcome…
Life in Peru
The Essentials AFS Peru Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Spanish Duolingo (free…
Life in Poland
The Essentials All Programs AFS Poland Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Year High School Arrival Information Host School FAQ Visa FAQ Language Requirements Applicants to the Year…
Life in Portugal
The Essentials AFS Portugal Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Practical Information Survival Guide Discussion Questions for Your Host Family Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Portuguese…
Life in Russia
The Essentials All Programs AFS Russia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year High School Host School FAQ Arrival Information Travel Guidelines Visa FAQ Global Prep…
Life in Serbia
The Essentials AFS Serbia Welcome Booklet Get to Know Serbia AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Serbian Music School Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper…
Life in Slovakia
The Essentials AFS Slovakia Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Host School FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Memrise: Slovak iLanguages: Slovak Slovak 101 Surface Languages: Slovak…
Life in Spain
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year/Semester High School AFS Spain Welcome Booklet Rules & Responsibilities Host School FAQ Tips for Your Spanish Exchange…
Life in Sweden
The Essentials AFS Sweden Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Welcome Letter Visa FAQ Changes to Hosting Realities (COVID-19) Digging Deeper Language Resources…
Life in Switzerland
The Essentials AFS Switzerland Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources ActiLingua: German Ralf-Kinas: German LiveMocha: German Rosetta…
Life in Thailand
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year High School AFS Thailand Welcome Booklet Host School FAQ Arrival Information School Program Rules and Responsibilities Visa…
Life in the Netherlands
The Essentials AFS Netherlands Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Host School FAQ Arrival Information Visa FAQ Digging Deeper Language Resources Rosetta Stone: Dutch Duolingo (free language learning…
LGBTQ+ Pride Across Cultures: A Story by AFS Returnee and President’s Council Member Craig Wilson
The summer of 1966 was a long time ago, but I remember it like yesterday. Why? Because it changed my life. My name is Craig Wilson and I was an…
Life in Turkey
The Essentials All Programs AFS Turkey Welcome Booklet AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Year High School Host School FAQ Arrival Information (Coming Soon!) Visa FAQ Digging Deeper…
Quiz: Put Your Global Knowledge to the Test
What does it mean to be “globally competent”? This difficult-sounding term is becoming more and more common in both offices and universities around the world—and students who take the initiative…
How to Fund Your Trip
Finding the money to study abroad can seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we offer a variety of ways to make your study abroad dreams a reality. From our large variety…
How to Become Multilingual
Many of us dream of being able to effortlessly converse in many languages. Let’s face it—multilingualism is a widely desired trait. It’s a key that unlocks new cultures and ways…
Blog, LGBTQ+ Pride Articles, Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Educators Articles, Alumni Articles
LGBTQ+ Pride Across Cultures: An Interview with AFS Returnee and Senior Staff, Melvin Harmon
Melvin Harmon has been involved with and dedicated to student exchange since the late 1970’s, starting with his own year abroad in Malaysia in 1980. Inspired by the life-changing nature…
What Makes a Global Citizen?
At first glance, global citizenship seems like an abstract concept. What does it mean to be a global citizen anyway? Global citizenship doesn’t do away with passports or borders, and…
What it’s Like to Live with a Host Family Abroad
You might wonder why homestays are such an important part of many of our study abroad programs. The reason is simple but powerful – living with a culture is one of the…
New Sponsored Programs Coordinator
The California Central Coast Area Team of AFS Intercultural Programs announces that Santa Clarita, Calif., resident Tracy O’Garro has accepted the volunteer position of Sponsored Programs Cluster Coordinator. In this…
Meet Our Newest Volunteer
The California Central Coast Area Team of AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to announce that Justine Tuncan, a Valencia High School junior, has become the team’s newest registered volunteer. As…
Volunteer Recognized for Leadership, Long-Term Service
The local California Central Coast Area Team of AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to announce that Thousand Oaks, Calif., volunteer Jennifer Lasley has been selected by the national AFS-USA Volunteer…
Exchange Student Participates in Washington, D.C. Workshop
The California Central Coast Area Team of AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to share that Valencia High School junior and AFS exchange student from South Africa Michelle Hadebe participated in…
3 Commonly-Asked Questions About Hosting Exchange Students… Answered
This post was written by Michelle Kulas, a former and current AFS Host Parent. Here it is, the day that my family has been looking forward to for months! Our…
Full Scholarships to Make Your Study Abroad Dreams a Reality
Apply for a scholarship with AFS and connect with a family across the globe. If you’ve ever pictured yourself on the other side of the world, fully immersed in a…
Meet Utsho from Bangladesh
Ehtesam Utsho from Bangladesh, YES Student. Hosted in Portland, Oregon. Attending Benson Poly Tech High School. Utsho is an amazing student. We are so glad to have him in our…
Alumni Celebration in Minneapolis Celebrates the “Second Century” of AFS-USA
AFS Ecuador Director, Juan Rodriguez, with Karen Lindquist, his host sister during his AFS exchange year to the US. October 2, 2014 | New York, NY – This past Saturday, AFS-USA…
Exchange Students in Woodbury
By Cyd Haynes Woodbury MagazineAmerica is a melting pot, so we enjoy the cultural richness of immigrants from many countries, but every year Woodbury hosts a number of students who…
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…
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…