Stories: The Pisanelli Family
“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…
Blog
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 your family’s horizons. Each year, more than 2,000 families in…
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 the year they are wrapping up and what it will…
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 to learning about another culture and its values. That’s a…
Stories: Real Host Families
“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…
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 40 years of dedicated service to AFS, and upon deep…
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 the United States of America as an independent nation and…
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 while she was in high school, they’ve lived abroad together,…
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 architecture, and incredible cuisine. What’s not to love? Italy is…
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 into a 50lb checked bag. Or maybe you’re still months…
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 is the beginning of a lifelong international journey. For Italian…
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 and adjusting to new cultures. You’re disoriented and maybe experiencing…
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 typical divides. They think globally, then act locally. One AFSer,…
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 internship program this week. She studied French literature and Japanese…
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 data-driven times. If anything, astrology is making a comeback in…
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 perspectives, lives, and careers. Historically, many black Americans, including those…
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 photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, small brochures, cards, tickets, luggage tags,…
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 on our way to a quilting expo. She’s a consummate…
Snow Tubing Fun
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…
An update on AFS-USA’s Leadership Initiative for Teams (LIFT) Workshop
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,…
4 Wonders of Argentina
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,…
Sky Camp!
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…
Redwoods Meet-Up
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…
The Good Stuff about hosting…
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…
Fall Festival Meet-Up
Denmark, France, Brazil, Switzerland, Dominican Republic, Chile and Germany represented AFS at the Fall Festival meet-up!
Top 25 Benefits of Studying Abroad
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…
Second Arrivals
A few family photos of the first meeting between students and families at September arrivals.
Q&A With Board Vice Chair: Jed Hepworth
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),…
Say “Yes!” to Hosting: The Lounibos Family
The AFS 2018 Reel Life Winners, The Lounibos Family, share their thoughts on how Lison, their host daughter, changed their lives!
6 Resume-Building Reasons to Study Abroad in France
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…
AFS Volunteer Awards Season is Here!
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…
5 Ways You Can Practice Hometown Diplomacy
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…
Spotlight On: Janne Harrelson and Patti Rounsevell
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…
Spotlight On: Stephanie Davidson
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…
Spotlight On: Danielle Tye
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…
Spotlight On Jill Goldsmith
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…
Spotlight On: Paula McElroy
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,…
Spotlight On: Bob Rushing
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…
Spotlight On: Sandra Caporossi
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…
Spotlight On: Eric Mattlin
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…
Spotlight On: Ann Sweet
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…
Spotlight On: Kathleen Broda
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…
Spotlight On: Christy Hedrick
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…
Spotlight On: Carol McCaulley
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…
Global Competency in Action: An AFS-USA Volunteer Fights Ebola in West Africa
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…
Spotlight On: Hannah Brusewitz
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…
Spotlight On: Allison Case Barton
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…
Spotlight On: Alison Colaluca
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…
True Stories of Outstanding Volunteers
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…
Spotlight On: Lana Davis Boyle
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.…
Spotlight On: Michelle Brenner
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…
Spotlight On: Ruth Blackstock
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…
Spotlight On: Kathleen Collins
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…
Spotlight On: Janet Gaudet
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…
How Local Volunteers Solidify New Global Friendships
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…
Spotlight On: Stassa & Jay Phillips
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…
Spotlight On: Christine McGarvey
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…
Spotlight On: Rio Orticio
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…
Spotlight On: Katherine Weber
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…
Spotlight On: Nancy Bridges
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…
Spotlight On: Marie Tonus
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…
Spotlight On: Kristin Svec
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…
Spotlight On: Marla Gamble
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…
Spotlight On: Jean Goecks
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…
Spotlight On: Lynn Adams
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…
Spotlight On: Rio Orticio
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…
Spotlight On: Kathleen Birkhimer
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…
Welcome, World! Hosting Foreign Exchange Students
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,…
7 Real AFS Returnees Review Our Study Abroad Programs
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…
The Top AFS Welcome Signs!
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…
How student exchange enriched a Bay Area school…with robotics!
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…
AFS Reel Life Finalist Announced
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.…
AFS-USA Staff pay tribute to lives taken in the Santa Fe, TX tragedy
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…
Happy Mother’s Day, Lisa, from Fanny
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…
Happy Mother’s Day, Rebecca, from Johannes!
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…
Happy Mother’s Day, Lisa, from Fanny
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…
National Volunteer Week brings worlds together in Charlotte
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…
5th Annual AFS Intercultural Festival – Travel the World in Just one Afternoon!
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…
AFS Returnee Professional Development Webinars
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…
Volunteer Appreciation Month: Rachael (Newer Volunteer)
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…
Volunteer Appreciation Month: Kodee (Returnee Volunteer)
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…
Volunteer Appreciation Month: Featuring Heidi (Longtime Volunteer)
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…
4 island study abroad destinations you won’t want to miss
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…
AFS Greater Charlotte promotes peace with study abroad fundraising
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…
Featured Returnee Social Media Takover: Jaime Cantwell
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…
5 Reasons Being an Older Host Sister is the Best
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!
Announcing the Winners of the 2017-2018 Project: Change Contest
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…
Camas Washington AFS Volunteer wins Highest Award for her Intercultural Education Efforts!
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…
Uncovering the beauty of Pakistan
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…
3 Ways to #LoveACharity and Exercise Your Global Citizenship
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…
AFS Exchange Student Nicolette Shares Her Message for Peace
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…
AFS families create global friendships that last a lifetime
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…
Holiday traditions around the world
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…
What’s the best way to learn Spanish? We looked at 7 options
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…
An Exchange Student’s Typical Day Living in Chile
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…
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…
Tell Congress: Exchange Programs are Critical to Public Diplomacy
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,…
What iPhones and hoodies can teach us about cultural understanding
How cultural understanding and global competency play a central role in the modern world Every day the world is becoming more and more interconnected. Since 1 in 5 jobs in…
AFS Exchange Student Reflects on Her Year in North Carolina
In October 2017, Deniz Kaarayan, a former AFS international exchange student from Turkey, flew to Chapel Hill on her way to Boston to deliver a presentation on her medical research…
My study abroad story: People welcomed me with an open heart
Hello! My name is Aqsa and I currently live in the Pacific Northwest as an AFS Exchange Student. I came here through a scholarship called the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study…