Movies from Around the World
For the newest installment in our…From Around the World series, we delve into movies recommended by our hosted students from…
Blog
TV Shows from Around the World
For the newest installment in our…From Around the World series, we explore favorite TV shows recommended by our recent hosted…
Education Resources During COVID-19
AFS-USA’s Director of Educational Outreach hosts Professional Development Webinars combining educational content, educational technology resources, and intercultural learning activities.
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."
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Featured Educator: Allison Haltom
The United Nations Global Goals, or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a great foundation for student learning. They are global…
AFS Alum Highlight: 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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Young Alumni Reflections
For more than 70 years, AFSers like you have helped advance international awareness and cultural understanding while at the same…
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…
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…
7 Simple Ways to Pass Peace Forward While Social Distancing
As many of us around the world are staying home to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, we’re focusing…
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.
Individualism & Collectivism
Individualist cultures value independence, while collectivist cultures prioritize interdependence and relationships with others.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
The Ups and Downs of Coming Home You’ve most likely grown and changed a lot during your time abroad, no…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
9 Inspiring Hispanic Internationalists
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting influential Hispanic internationalists who advocated for peace, civil rights, and multiculturalism,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 1980, starting with his own year abroad in…
What Makes a Global Citizen?
At first glance, global citizenship seems like an abstract concept. What does it mean, anyway? Global citizenship doesn’t do away…
How to Choose a Study Abroad Program that’s Right for You
It can be hard to decide when, where, and how long to study abroad in high school. With 120 programs…
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…
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…
Meet Utsho from Bangladesh
Ehtesam Utsho from Bangladesh, YES Student. Hosted in Portland, Oregon. Attending Benson Poly Tech High School. Utsho is an amazing…
Exchange Students in Woodbury
By Cyd Haynes Woodbury MagazineAmerica is a melting pot, so we enjoy the cultural richness of immigrants from many countries,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Meet Our Newest Volunteer
The California Central Coast Area Team of AFS Intercultural Programs is pleased to announce that Justine Tuncan, a Valencia High…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Stories: The Pisanelli Family
“I discovered what a great parent I can be and this has motivated me to adopt a child.” –Damian Pisanelli…
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…
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…
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…
Stories: Real Host Families
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
How Studying Abroad Can Make You Brave
Studying abroad can seem a little scary. You’re far from home in unfamiliar surroundings. You’re dealing with the language barrier…
AFS Returnee Maggie Kane founds pay-what-you-can cafe, A Place at the Table
Many AFS Exchange Students lead impactful lives after their time abroad opened their minds and taught them to collaborate across…
Q&A With AFS-USA’s Alumni Relations Intern: Molly Kisner
Molly Kisner is AFS-USA’s Alumni Relations intern, an AFS Returnee (U.S. to France, 2010), and she is completing our fall…
Let Your Astrological Sign Decide Where You Study Abroad
The mystical art of astrology is almost as old as human civilization. Its staying power has not faded in our…
Influential Black Americans Who Lived Abroad: What They Learned “From Another Place”
In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting influential black Americans whose experiences studying, teaching, and living abroad shaped their…
Studying Abroad in the 1960s
Thanks to the generosity of George Gabb, the AFS Archives recently acquired an oversized scrapbook filled with black and white…
Blog, Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Volunteer Articles, Educators Articles, Impact Articles, Alumni Articles
My Multigenerational AFS Family
It’s 2018 and I’m sitting in my grandmother’s sunny Ohio kitchen. We just went to two estate sales and are…