
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I became aware or AFS as a high school teacher in Fairborn, Ohio as I had contact…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? My daughter was a semi finalist for a CBYX scholarship. When that didn’t happen, she was encouraged…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I was a teacher at Washburn High School where the French teacher started the AFS program at…
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…
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved? I was an exchange student on the CBYX program with AFS. What keeps you coming back to…
Thirteen Greater Charlotte families welcomed a new son or daughter this week into their homes. Not babies, however. They are hosting foreign exchange students from nine countries around the world,…
Read study abroad program reviews from real AFS Returnees about their formative experiences studying abroad on our programs! 1. Naomi, U.S. to Brazil ‘11 Ready to experience the warm, close-knit…
Students from all over the world are arriving to the U.S. to meet their AFS Host Families. Over the years, host families have made such creative, sweet, and thoughtful signs…
Hosting international exchange students does more than bring diverse cultures into a community. For John O’Connell High School in San Francisco, hosting an AFS international exchange student gave students a…
Kudos to the following 25 host families and their exchange students for advancing to the final round of the Reel Life contest (listed alphabetically by student’s first name): Bronislav T.…
June 1, 2018 – Our AFS-USA staff in New York recently gathered for a moment of silence to honor the ten people who tragically lost their lives in a shooting in…
Hi Mom, A lot of things have been happening since I first know you and your family through email on July 2017. We’ve been through summer, fall, winter, and now…
Thank you, Mom My name is Johannes, I’m from Germany and an exchange student at Snohomish High School. This Mother’s Day I want to celebrate my awesome Host mom Rebecca.You’ve…
Hi Mom, A lot of things have been happening since I first know you and your family through email on July 2017. We’ve been through summer, fall, winter, and now…
April 30, 2018 — Charlotte, NC– At the tail end of Charlotte’s Do Good Week (National Volunteer Week), 14 exchange students and host family members of AFS Greater Charlotte joined…
Spend the afternoon traveling the world without having to pack your bags. The AFS Intercultural Festival celebrates the cultures of the 2017-2018 AFS students in the New York and Connecticut…
About AFS Returnee Professional Development Webinars We are please to share that Pamela Berland Ex, AFS Returnee, U.S. to Brazil 1975-76 has agreed to reprise our popular professional development webinars…
For Volunteer Appreciation Month, AFS GPS would like to spotlight and thank one of our outstanding volunteers! Rachael is new to volunteering with GPS this year, and does a fabulous…
We have many wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to AFS. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, AFS GPS would like to spotlight and publicly thank one of…
We have many wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to AFS. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, AFS GPS would like to spotlight and publicly thank one of…
Picture yourself on a sandy beach with the cool ocean breeze blowing across your skin. You’re surrounded by new friends who are eager to share their culture, and you’ve filled…
Finding community at an AFS study abroad fundraising event Approximately 150 people turned out Friday night March 9th for AFS Greater Charlotte’s #PassPeaceForward Event & Fundraiser, the Charlotte region’s largest…
MONDAY: Hi, I’m Jaime Cantwell! I went to Deyang, China on a NSLI-Y scholarship the summer of 2016—I studied Mandarin Chinese at Deyang Foreign Language School for six weeks while…
My family made the decision to host an AFS student of our own for the very first time. I'd like to share a few reasons why being an older host sister is the best!
We’re happy to announce the winners of the 2017 AFS Project: Change contest! Five young change-makers will be traveling to Kenya this summer to carry out a volunteer project focusing…
Jean Goecks wins intercultural education award Portland, OR January 25, 2018 – Each year, AFS (an Intercultural Education Nonprofit) recognizes one exceptional volunteer out of all the 4200 volunteers nationally…
Exchange student Huda on uncovering the beauty of Pakistan Huda, an exchange student from Pakistan in the Carolinas this year, was selected by the US Department of State to attend…
February is #LoveACharity month! Historically, February has been one of the slowest months for charitable donations and volunteer engagement, but the #LoveACharity movement is working to change that. Read on…
Nicolette is an AFS Exchange Student from South Africa who is spending the school year with a host family in Colorado. She shares her insights on what it means to…
It all started in 1962, with a phone call to the Rayner family. Someone from their local high school in Maryland called Jacque Leedom (nee Rayner) and her family asking…
Exploring holiday traditions around the world with AFS As your exchange students experienced their first American Christmas, we asked them to tell us about their typical holidays traditions around the…
Spanish is one of the most widely-spoken languages on the planet. Whether you want to study abroad in Buenos Aires or boost your college applications, knowing Spanish will benefit your…
With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant traditions, and delicious foods, Chile is a fun and friendly destination to study abroad! Former AFS Exchange Student Rachael describes what it was like to…
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…
Recently, the Trump administration released its budget proposal for 2018, which includes a 55% cut to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Among other valuable initiatives,…