Family Forever: A Host Family’s Reunion
August from Norway reunites with his host family in the USA after 10 years.
Blog
Journey to Costa Rica: Gwen (Leonard) McNamara’s AFS Story
In this article, Gwen McNamara describes her journey to Costa Rica with AFS in 1974 and a recent reunion with her AFS family. I was 15 in November 1973 when…
How Do Our Students Get Here?
Introduction Have you ever wondered what the AFS student application and selection process entails? What makes a great candidate for intercultural exchange and how does AFS determine this? There are…
A Poem by CBYX Student, Lena Rehder
Lena R., an exchange student from Germany studying in the U.S. through the CBYX program, shared her AFS experience with us through a poem. Lina’s inspiration to write this poem…
Alumni Spotlight: Abby Verrando
In this article, Abby Verrando, a California high school student in her junior year, responds to a series of questions about her experience in the AFS Youth Ambassador Sustainability Program…
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Fershing
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting Sue Fershing, a longtime AFS volunteer and host parent. Here’s what she had to say about her experience with AFS-USA over the…
2023 AFS Volunteer Awards
Congratulations to the 2023 AFS Volunteer Awardees! The Galatti Award Established in 1983, the Galatti Award, bestowed in memory of Stephen Galatti, the Director General of AFS for more than…
Why Giving Time and Funding to International Education is a Priority
By Tara Hofmann, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs/USA For more than thirty years, I have worked in the U.S. and abroad to foster cultural understanding through youth exchange.…
AFS-USA Meets with DOE to Promote Exchange Programs in U.S. Schools
By Tara Hofmann, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs/USA Last week, AFS-USA, along with other leaders in international student exchange, met with Deputy Assistant Secretary Bernadine Futrell who represented…
Why I Give to AFS-USA: An Interview with William (Bill) R. MacIntosh
Bill MacIntosh, an AFS-USA alumnus who participated in an exchange program to Brazil (Brasil in Portuguese) from 1964-1965, recently sat down with AFS-USA President and CEO Tara Hofmann to talk…
Nicholas Kristof’s Article and Becoming a Global Citizen
Nicholas Kristof’s recent article “The Backpack You Need Isn’t for Carrying Books”, highlights the ever-growing importance for young adults, especially, to have intercultural education and international experiences.
The American Dream of Patricia Audrey Castromayor
In this article Patricia Audrey Castromayor, a student from the Philippines, talks about her experience in the US with the ALEX program, a two week exchange organized for the students…
David and Nancy Frye Host Family Testimonial
In this testimonial, David and Nancy Frye share a bit about their experiences hosting 13 exchange students since 1999. The Frye family is currently hosting Nadhira from Indonesia. Read on to learn about how they started their most recent hosting journey, as well as the enrichment hosting has brought to their lives over the years!
The Top Eight Reasons We Wanted to Host
Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding and enriching experience for both the host family and the student. Just take it from the Hudson family, who hosted a French exchange…
Alumni Spotlight: Grace Mustafa
Grace has been an AFS exchange student (US to Germany, 2008), a volunteer, and a host sister to multiple exchange students over the years. She now works in a seasonal…
Janice Mills and an AFS 50th Year Reunion!
In this article, Janice Mills, an AFS-USA Alumna who went to Sweden with AFS in 1972, shares her experience during a 50 year reunion with her fellow AFSers! Janice was…
The Love Language of AFS
AFS programs have a magical way of bringing people together; across oceans, borders, languages, and cultures, participants often can’t help but fall in love with one another. Many AFS alumni…
2024 Youth Assembly Scholarship Winners
AFS-USA is proud to have thirteen young educators traveling to New York City on full scholarships (sponsored by BP) to attend the annual AFS Youth Assembly from August 15-18, 2024.…
School Outreach Celebrates 13 Young Educators
Thirteen young educators have earned full scholarships (sponsored by BP) to attend the annual AFS Youth Assembly in New York City from August 11-13, 2023. They will join 40…
What Teachers Do Matters. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2024!
We asked our AFS students to tell us about some teachers that have made a difference this year while they are studying in U.S. schools. Here’s what a few of…
AFS-USA Pride and LGBTQIA+ Resources
AFS-USA welcomes members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and actively encourages and supports their participation in all types of AFS opportunities, including studying abroad, volunteering, and hosting exchange students. Read below…
Explore the NSLI-Y Alumni Travel Program: Ganges River Cultural Excursion
Due to the the COVID-19 pandemic, exchange students scheduled to participate in a NSLI-Y Scholarship Program were unable to do so in person, and instead participated in virtual programming. Thanks…
AFS-USA Community Changemaker Award Winners
The theme of our 75th Anniversary is Your Story is Our Story: 75 Years of Creating Global Citizens. While it’s impossible to measure the impact AFS-USA continues to have…
7 Reasons You Should Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an exchange student with AFS-USA is not only a wonderful experience for a teen from another country – it’s a unique opportunity to provide you and your family with…
My study abroad story from Italy to the US: an unexpected return
Tommaso Casavecchi is an AFS-USA Marketing Intern, an AFS alumnus (Italy to U.S., 2018) and a volunteer in his hometown of Florence, Italy. He just took part in another exchange…
Three Generations of Hosting with AFS-USA
The Quandt family first started hosting with AFS-USA in the 1960s when they welcomed Kashu, a student from Afghanistan, into their home. This hosting experience was the catalyst for a…
Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Rhodes
In this article, Natalie Rhodes, an AFS-USA Alumna who went to Chile for one semester during her junior year of high school, responds to a series of questions about her…
Oliva N. reflects upon her AFS experience in Japan during COVID
It was Olivia’s dream since seventh grade to study in Japan. Looking back in her journal, she realized how much of the past five years were spent studying the language…
Resources to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
This collection of resources can be used during Hispanic Heritage Month, also recognized as Latino or Latinx Heritage Month, and be shared year-round. Articles: Elevating Hispanic and Latinx History All Year| PBS …
5 Ways to Continue Being a Global Citizen After Study Abroad
Nearly 16% of all college students will study abroad at some point during their degree program, and through programs like AFS-USA, some high schoolers even have the opportunity to live…
8 Career Paths for Students Who Loved Studying Abroad
Studying abroad while in high school or college is an excellent opportunity for your education and your career. It helps students plan for the future and gain invaluable skills they’ll…
How Studying Abroad Improves Your Career Prospects
There are so many reasons studying abroad is beneficial — you’ll make new friends, explore a different culture, learn new languages and make memories to last a lifetime. But studying…
Global Educator Newsletter: September 2021
In many parts of the world, students and educators are marking the annual return to school. As educators, I suspect that prepping for and implementing the start of the school…
Global Educator Newsletter: November 2021
November is a time when those of us in the United States take pause to remind ourselves of and express gratitude for the positive aspects of our lives. It’s also…
Global Educator Newsletter: January 2022
Over the last two years, “connecting” to our friends, colleagues, and students has looked a little different. Zoom, Teams, and Google Hangouts have helped us maintain our relationships locally and…
Global Educator Newsletter: April 2022
Recently, I had the opportunity and honor to recognize extraordinary educators committed to expanding global competence in their schools. Their achievements are many and, like you, they’ve dedicated themselves to…
Congratulations Youth Assembly Scholarship Winners!
AFS-USA is proud to announce the five young educators who will be Daring to Reshape the World at the 27th Youth Assembly in New York City with a $2,000 scholarship. These young educators were…
2022 AFS-USA Global Award Winners
AFS-USA has created two distinct awards to celebrate both individual educators and schools or districts that have made global engagement and intercultural learning a part of their everyday instruction and…
Global Educator Newsletter: September 2022
Connect with a Classroom Abroad Connect your students to Latin America during Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in a Meet & Greet with teachers of all content areas from Central…
Global Educator Newsletter: November 2022
Resources for Veteran’s Day – November 11, 2022 Many schools show their respect for the veterans in their community by holding a recognition ceremony or event honoring the service of…
Global Educator Newsletter: February 2023
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann Throughout history, the global AFS family has been through numerous tragedies and disasters. Because we share such a closeness with the many…
2024 AFS-USA Global Educator Award Winner
AFS-USA, the largest partner in a worldwide network of non-profit, volunteer-based international education organizations, announces that Ms. Elizabeth Chapman, an English Language Arts teacher and the Study Abroad Coordinator at Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas has been named the 2024 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year.
Global Educator Newsletter: September 2023
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann This month’s edition of the AFS Global Educator shines a spotlight on the theme of “Scholarships & Awards” – a topic close…
Global Educator Newsletter: April 2022
Recently, I had the opportunity and honor to recognize extraordinary educators committed to expanding global competence in their schools. Their achievements are many and, like you, they’ve dedicated themselves to…
Global Educator Newsletter: April 2023
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann Recently I had the honor to recognize two outstanding educators and their schools through the AFS-USA Global Awards. The Deputy Assistant Secretary…
Global Educator Newsletter: October 2023
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann International Education Week (IEW) provides a valuable opportunity for us to celebrate the power of citizen and cultural exchange as a pathway…
Global Educator Newsletter: August 2023
Start the School Year with the *NEW*AFS Intercultural Club Toolkit Dig into this fantastic resource to help you effortlessly create or lead an intercultural club! You asked for it and…
Global Educator Newsletter: August 2023
Start the School Year with the *NEW*AFS Intercultural Club Toolkit Dig into this fantastic resource to help you effortlessly create or lead an intercultural club! You asked for it and…
Global Educator Newsletter: April 2024
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann As we welcome the arrival of spring, we also take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable achievements and dedication…
2023 AFS-USA Global Award Winners
AFS-USA has two distinct awards to celebrate both individual educators and schools or districts that have made global engagement and intercultural learning a part of their everyday instruction and school…
2024 AFS-USA Global School Award Winner
AFS-USA, the largest partner in a worldwide network of non-profit, volunteer-based international education organizations, announces that Hingham High School in Massachusetts will receive the 2024 AFS-USA Global School Award having competed with schools throughout the country.
Global Educator Newsletter: January 2024
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann As we kick off the new year, AFS-USA continues to dedicate time and resources toward promoting and delivering the many opportunities, experiences,…
Global Educator Newsletter: September 2024
From the AFS-USA President & CEO, Tara Boyce-Hofmann Those of us in the global education community continuously strive to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world, giving them concrete opportunities…
In Memoriam: Guido Guidotti – AFS Alumnus, Scientist, and Professor
AFS-USA honors the legacy of returnee Guido Guidotti, Italy to U.S. 1950. Guido first came to the U.S. from Naples, Italy, as an AFS student in 1950. He attended Decatur High School in Illinois and was…
Alumni Newsletter: Summer 2021
Dear AFS-USA Alumni, Families, and Friends, I hope this newsletter finds you and your family doing well! Whether you studied abroad, hosted a student, sent your child abroad, volunteer or…
Alumni Newsletter: Fall 2021
We’re Moving Forward Thanks to You Over the past year, I have heard from many AFS-USA alumni about what AFS-USA means to them and how thankful they were that they…
Alumni Newsletter: Spring 2022
A Message from Tara Hofmann Today as I write this, our work has taken on even greater urgency as we witness and carefully monitor the tragic invasion in Ukraine. It…
Alumni Newsletter: Summer 2022
A Message from Tara Hofmann It’s remarkable that in September AFS will start its celebration of the 75th anniversary of AFS youth exchange programs. Over the course of the coming…
Alumni Newsletter: Winter 2023
A Message from Tara Hofmann As we begin a new year at AFS-USA (and the second half of our 75th anniversary), together, we have turned a corner in what has…
An AFS Adventure to Austria in 1968!
This article is written by AFS-USA Alumnus Dave Schrader. Dave is currently an AFS Volunteer in the Greater Los Angeles and South Bay Chapter who is greatly involved with orientation…
Hosting and Studying Abroad with AFS: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
When you think about going abroad or hosting an exchange student, the first words that likely come to mind are “adventure” or “language”. Both language and adventure (and more!) will…
Meet Mikea: AFS Host Student and Global Citizen
Mikea R. is an exchange student from Albania on the YES Scholarship Program (yesprograms.org), hosted by AFS-USA in Rockford, Illinois. Below, Mikea responds to a series of questions about why…
Global Educator Newsletter: April 2021
In all of my recent travels (virtually) across the United States and around the world, I’ve been grateful (and encouraged) by today’s generation of students, especially their passion for change…
Global Sustainability / Sostenibilidad Global in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
How Science & Spanish teachers collaborate to change the world! In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, AP Environmental Science teacher, Kelly Holtzman, and Spanish teacher, Danielle Chaussee have formed a unique collaboration. Using…
Why Host an Exchange Student During COVID
Just about a year ago the world changed in ways we never expected and with those changes came a new hosting experience. At a time like this many ask themselves…
Why Hosting Is A Rewarding Experience
This blog features interviews from the Judy family and two students hosted by Dar Fredrickson in Pennsylvania. Both interviews were first published in “Building Bridges”, the Western Pennsylvania Area Team’s…
AFS-USA Resources to Celebrate Black History Month Year-Round
This is a collection of materials and resources gathered by AFS-USA staff in celebration of Black History Month. While Black History Month is celebrated in February in the US, these…
My AFS Experience: Hosting, Studying Abroad, and Volunteering
My name is Tori and I’m a current AFS Volunteer, Returnee from Japan (2010), and past host sister. I’m here to share my experience with AFS for anyone who’s curious…
IN MEMORIAM: Richard M. Hunt, AFS Volunteer, Historian, and Philanthropist
AFS is saddened to announce the passing of AFS World War II volunteer and Life Trustee Richard (Rick) M. Hunt, who died on April 10, 2020. Hunt was a student…
Jill Woerner Appointed to ACTFL’s America’s Language Fellows Working Group
In September, AFS-USA's Director of Educational Outreach, Jill Woerner, was invited to serve as one of America’s Language Fellows because of her unique experiences both with ACTFL’s Professional Learning Committee and other initiatives.
Alumni Newsletter: Fall 2020
Dear AFS-USA Community, While we are all immersed in challenges these days, we’ve also come to value the stability of a singular mission and values that inspire all that we…
Women Volunteers and Suffragettes in WWI
The early twentieth century brought forth opportunities for women beyond the home front: work, education, social reform, and political engagement. While many conservative Americans fought against this change in gender roles and believed women needed to be home, World War I served as a catalyst for volunteerism and ultimately, women’s suffrage.
Your Identity Will Be Valued: My Time In Germany by Tony Valencia, AFS and CBYX Alum
“Only through dialogue and communication can differences be understood and appreciated.” – AFS and CBYX Alum, Tony Valencia ’18- ’19. In this blog post for Pride Month, Tony delves into…
AFS in Action: Anti-Racism Resources for the AFS Community
“At a time when the world is overcome by pandemics both viral and societal, AFS’s guiding principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are more urgent than ever.” – Hannah Greene, AFS-USA Returnee…
AFS-USA Juneteenth Resources
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth”, is the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States 158 years ago in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was…
Cultural Webinars for Educators
As part of showing our gratitude to educators and all of their hard work during Teacher Appreciation Week, AFS-USA coordinated with our partners in other countries to bring a series…
What it’s Like to Host an Exchange Student from Pakistan
For James and Karen Graham, hosting an international exchange student with AFS has been a way to explore new cultures and make a positive impact. James’s family hosted an exchange…
3 Commonly-Asked Questions About Hosting Exchange Students…Answered!
This post was written by Michelle Kulas, an AFS Host Parent. Here it is, the day that my family has been looking forward to for months! Our Japanese exchange student,…
20 Fun Activities for you and your Exchange Student
Whether you’re hosting a high school exchange student or your relatives from abroad are visiting, these quintessential American activities are sure to break the ice. You’ll be creating opportunities for…
AFS Welcome Families make a world of difference
What is a welcome family? A welcome family provides a home and a warm welcome for a student for a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time,…
How hosting an exchange student kept me sane after study abroad
AFS/YES Abroad exchange student, Carly, during her study abroad year in Indonesia. Hosting an AFS exchange student from Germany has been one of the best experiences for my family, and…
Words of Wisdom from 2017-2018 AFS 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…
One family says “Welcome back!” to their AFS Exchange Student
The Dordal/Boyd family from Olympia, Washington was excited to reunite with their former exchange student, Gamze from Turkey. Despite the months and miles that separated them, Gamze fit right back…
How to Enrich Your Family by Hosting
After a friend of theirs decided to host an AFS Exchange Student, Margaret and Matthew C. from Michigan were curious to see what it was all about. Their son Andrew…
Exchange student leaves behind legacy in Wisconsin
Moving to an American town 6,000 miles from home might leave a teenager shy or timid. But not Maryse, an AFS Exchange Student who came to Oshkosh, WI on a…
COVID-19 Resources for Parents
As learning moves from the classroom to the living room AFS-USA is ready to support families in their at-home learning environments. Below you will find resources to help students of…
Alumni Newsletter: Special Edition | Spring 2020
AFS was founded in response to a global crisis in 1947 by American Field Service Volunteer Ambulance Drivers. In times like these, AFS Alumni around the world have demonstrated that it’s…
Returnee Spotlight: Nurse LeeAnn on the Frontlines of the Pandemic
LeeAnn Pinchock is an AFS Returnee who spent her senior year in a tiny town near Cologne, Germany. Ann now lives in a small rural town twenty miles from Flint,…
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 90+ countries. Film reveals a lot about a specific culture,…
TV Shows from Around the World
For the next post in our…From Around the World series, we explore favorite TV shows recommended by our recent hosted students. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love TV? As…
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 your family’s horizons. Each year, more than 2,000 families in…