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,…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Melvin Harmon has been involved with and dedicated to student exchange since 1980, starting with his own year abroad in Malaysia. Inspired by the life-changing nature of his experience, he…
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…
It can be hard to decide when, where, and how long to study abroad in high school. With 120 programs in more than 45 different countries, it can seem daunting to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“This is our second time hosting and it is such a pleasure to share with others how diverse families can be in the US.” …
“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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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 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,…
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…
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…
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…
Studying abroad can seem a little scary. You’re far from home in unfamiliar surroundings. You’re dealing with the language barrier and adjusting to new cultures. You’re disoriented and maybe experiencing…
Many AFS Exchange Students lead impactful lives after their time abroad opened their minds and taught them to collaborate across typical divides. They think globally, then act locally. One AFSer,…
Molly Kisner is AFS-USA’s Alumni Relations intern, an AFS Returnee (U.S. to France, 2010), and she is completing our fall internship program this week. She studied French literature and Japanese…
The mystical art of astrology is almost as old as human civilization. Its staying power has not faded in our data-driven times. If anything, astrology is making a comeback in…
In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting influential Black Americans whose experiences studying, teaching, and living abroad shaped their perspectives, lives, and careers. Historically, many Black Americans, including those…
Thanks to the generosity of George Gabb, the AFS Archives recently acquired an oversized scrapbook filled with black and white photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, small brochures, cards, tickets, luggage tags,…
It’s 2018 and I’m sitting in my grandmother’s sunny Ohio kitchen. We just went to two estate sales and are on our way to a quilting expo. She’s a consummate…
Sparkling, sunny, snow tubing fun! Pacific Cascades Douglas County Chapter organized a day of winter sports fun at Diamond Lake on January 12th. Snow shoeing and tubing under bright sunny…
December 5, 2018 – Over the weekend, AFS-USA conducted a leadership development workshop at Trinity College’s new Action Lab. Among the attendees were AFS-USA President/CEO Tara Boyce-Hofmann, Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney,…
With Latin American and European influences, Argentina is a multifaceted country with so much to offer. There’s the romantic tango, the passion of fútbol culture, and the delicious beef prepared during an asado,…
Fun times at Pacific Cascades’s post-arrival orientation, Sky Camp! Mixing up deep discussions with a good dose of fun. Parents and siblings coming together with volunteers to support the student…
A group of students from AFS Pacific Cascades met together late September in California for a visit to the Redwoods. The Douglas County local chapter sponsored a camping trip with…
This is the Good Stuff about hosting………… The Steagall Family from NW Portland shared this: “You get to visit places you would not have otherwise. We all went to Tunisia…
Denmark, France, Brazil, Switzerland, Dominican Republic, Chile and Germany represented AFS at the Fall Festival meet-up!
Our friends at TakeLessons provided us with this great blog post of the Top 25 Benefits of Studying Abroad! Let’s be honest, studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Not only do…
A few family photos of the first meeting between students and families at September arrivals.
Jed Hepworth is our new Board Vice Chair and has been a member of AFS-USA’s Board of Directors since 2015. He is also an AFS Returnee (U.S. to Chile, 1968-69),…
The AFS 2018 Reel Life Winners, The Lounibos Family, share their thoughts on how Lison, their host daughter, changed their lives!
With over seventeen thousand students studying abroad in France each year, it’s no surprise that the country is one of the most popular destinations for international education. Its charming blend…
We are excited to announce the 2016 AFS Volunteer Awards! Once every year, a winner for each award is chosen from the entire AFS global community. This is a great…
Hometown Diplomacy is the process through which individual citizens facilitate lasting, positive relationships with citizens of other countries through sharing something very close to their hearts: the places they call…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? Patti is an AFS returnee (Costa Rica, 1966) and learned about AFS from her high school’s AFS…
Terri Windsor is an AFS-USA Volunteer and host parent in the Youngstown, Ohio area. In this article, she shares how her AFS journey began, her work with the AFS Northeast…
Meet Stephanie Davidson of Helotes, Texas. She’s an AFS returnee who participated in two AFS Summer Study Abroad programs: A community-service based program in Panama and a Spanish language immersion…
Meet Danielle Tye…This is her 11th year volunteering with AFS! When people ask what her hobbies are, she always says “AFS.” Whether serving on the National Council, planning the National…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I was involved in the AFS club in my high school in the late 1970s and loved…
Meet Paula McElroy, of Silverwood Michigan. She’s a high school teacher, history buff, wife and parent who has made cultural exchange an essential part of her daily life. Since 2002,…
Meet Bob Rushing of Silverspring, Maryland. He’s a long-time AFSer who has worn numerous hats in the organization, from host brother to host dad to volunteer. Here is his AFS…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? My daughter was in eighth grade and wanted a sister! Unfortunately, I could not have any more…
Meet Eric Mattlin of Chicago. A relative newcomer to AFS, Eric is an active member of the Greater Chicago team and is amazed how much of an impact AFS has…
Meet Ann Sweet of Williamsville, New York. Her energy for AFS is limitless. She has hosted 16 AFS students, been a Support and Event Coordinator and sits on the Volunteer…
Meet Kathleen Broda. She first became aware of AFS in 7th grade from her English teacher whose son was studying on an AFS program in France. When asked about her…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? In the late summer of 2012 a co-worker shared an email from AFS that nine students needed…
Meet Carol McCaulley of California’s Silver and Gold Team. In her countless years as an AFS volunteer, she has served in nearly every volunteer role imaginable. When asked what she…
March 3, 2015 – When Dr. Coleen Cunningham isn’t busy being a mother to her five children, an accomplished infectious disease physician, and a professor at the Duke University School of…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I learned about AFS when I was 16 from a co-worker who was preparing to go to…
Allison was enthralled by the AFS stories of her uncle who spent a year in Spain in the early 60s and in 1976, she too, was able to experience the…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I grew up fifteen minutes away from C.W. Post College and heard through my AFS High School…
April 16, 2015 – AFS has been a volunteer-driven organization for nearly 70 years. Volunteerism is at the core of our philosophy, and our incredible network of 40,000 volunteers worldwide…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I had a friend from Australia with AFS who was attending our school on an AFS program.…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? My daughter’s dance teacher is a long time AFS volunteer and host family so I was aware…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? My friend, Agnes Matheson’s daughter, Marina, was on AFS exchange to Switzerland. She knew of my love…
For the month of March we are proud to feature Kathy Collins of the Lake Superior Team in our Volunteer Spotlight. Kathy has the title of Chair –and a couple…
Janet Gaudet became involved with the Greater Illinois Team after getting to know the hosted student of a close friend. Over the year she had the opportunity to get to…
August 4, 2015 – What does a small American town on the Oregon coast have to do with international diplomacy, anyway? More than you might think… Tillamook, Oregon, is the site…
This month we are excited to be spotlighting an AFS COUPLE! Jay and Stassa Phillips of the Ohio River Valley Team have been involved with AFS since 1991 when they…
Meet Christine McGarvey of the Baltimore Team. She has been a host mom, a liaison, a hosting coordinator and a group leader at orientations. Being a part of AFS has…
Rio Orticio knows first-hand what it is like to come to a different country to study. Because of his experiences as an international student, Rio is dedicated to ensuring that…
This month AFS USA is pleased to spotlight Katherine (Kate) Weber of the Michigan Team. Kate is a relative newcomer to the world of AFS. Registering for the first time…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? A daughter of friends had been an AA and they had hosted. They approached us as possible…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? My son David was an alternate to go abroad with AFS. He was not selected but I…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I heard about AFS as a teenager at East Peoria Community High School. I was friends with…
