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…
Study Abroad Articles
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, she made it a point to leave her small town…
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 much more she would discover about the world and herself.…
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 find that products for your skin tone or hair type…
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 surveyed our exchange students and asked them to submit examples…
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 you write a strong project proposal essay for the AFS…
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.
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 have on the lives and careers of participants. The full-scale,…
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.
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, Ryan reflects on his experience abroad with his host family,…
8 Inspiring Hispanic Internationalists
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,…
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 from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for…
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! Music is an important piece of almost every culture. As…
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 start a new life beyond the comforts of his routine…
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 life. My name is Craig Wilson and I was an…
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 and universities around the world—and students who take the initiative…
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 the late 1970’s, starting with his own year abroad in Malaysia in 1980. Inspired by the life-changing nature…
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 trait. It’s a key that unlocks new cultures and ways…
What Makes a Global Citizen?
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…
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 100+ programs in more than 40 different countries, it can seem daunting…
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 simple but powerful – living with a culture is one of the…
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 turquoise waters and sandy beaches, lush forests and gorges, glaciers…
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 as you attend language classes and learn shodo (calligraphy). If you’re a…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Making the world your home
The following blog post was written by Rebecca A. Eckland, an AFS Returnee who studied abroad in France in 1999. Today, Rebecca is a professional writer and accomplished athlete who mentors…
6 study abroad photos you can’t go home without
When you go abroad, you have the chance to make new friends, develop unique cultural insights, and see the world from a different perspective. But… if you’re like most AFSers,…
Celebrity quotes about travel to inspire your next trip
Did you know that before starring in films like The Royal Tenenbaums and Iron Man, a 15-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow lived with a host family in Spain? Or that on his way to becoming…
8 things I love about Ghana
Wondering what makes Ghanaian culture unique from an American perspective? We’re just scratching the surface, but these observations will give you a glimpse at Ghanaian culture through the eyes of…
The Great Benefits of A Gap Year
The White House recently announced that Malia Obama will be attending Harvard University but has decided to take a gap year before beginning her college studies. Generally, a gap year refers to…
4 French Cheeses to Know: Global Taste Test
France’s world-famous cuisine makes it a dream destination for anyone with taste buds and an appetite. In particular, the French are very proud of their cheese—and rightly so! For turophiles…
One family says “welcome back!” to their AFS student
The Dordal/Boyd family from Olympia, Washington was excited to reunite this summer with their former exchange student, Gamze from Turkey. Despite the months and miles that separated them, Gamze fit…
Elijah’s Adventures in Japan
Elijah documents his experiences traveling with his family and AFS on his popular YouTube channel, EliNation. Elijah Knorpp is not your average sixteen-year-old. He has eight siblings (five of whom are…
From Ghana to California: A Year of Precious Moments
From Ghana to California: A Year of Precious Moments
Norwegian father & son attend Myers Park HS 33 years apart
June, 2017 — Charlotte, NC — Myers Park High School has been hosting exchange students for over 33 years. How do we know for sure? Kaare Risung was an exchange student…
6 Global Recipes to Spice up Your Social Distancing
Just because you can’t get together with your friends and neighbors, doesn’t mean you can’t try new recipes! We’ve picked some of our favorite dishes from around the world to…
Returnee Spotlight: Helene Bee
December 9, 2016 – Helene B. spent her AFS year in Indonesia as a recipient of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of…
Advice from Maggie: Being a global citizen after exchange
November 29, 2016 – Returnee and AFS-USA Intern, Maggie (pictured below) shares her advice… Advice from Maggie: Being an active global citizen after exchange For many AFS returnees, coming home to…
Returnee Spotlight: Nico B.
November 7, 2016 – Nico B. spent the 2012 -2013 academic year in Egypt with AFS and participated in the 2015 Returnee Leadership Summit. Since his exchange year, he has also…
Returnee Spotlight: Maddy Keating
November 7, 2016 – Maddy K. spent her AFS year in Germany as a recipient of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and…
Advice from Maggie: Keeping Up With Your Host Language
October 13, 2016 – Returnee and AFS-USA intern, Maggie V. (pictured below, right) shares her advice… As all of us AFS returnees know, the first few months after exchange ends can be…
9 study abroad tips for students and parents
When you’re curious about traveling the world, it’s natural to feel excited…and not altogether prepared. Check out these words of wisdom from AFSers who’ve been there! For Students Real AFS…
7 reasons why Iguazu Falls is more than just a waterfall
Iguazu Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It’s a popular tourist destination, but also offers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and…
Returnee Spotlight on: Dana Buzzelli
September 21, 2016 – Dana Buzzelli is an alumna of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and…
These 11 things will make you dream of Spain
At some point, we’ve all had our imaginations stirred by Spanish culture. From the intricate patterns of brightly-colored mosaics to a flamenco dancer clapping her castanets, there’s definitely something alluring.…
5 of Argentina’s Coolest Cultural Exports
Certain things are so good they need to be shared with the world. Sometimes they spread like wildfire. Other times, they creep out so slowly and discreetly that we eventually…
5 ways Chile satisfies the soul
With its characteristically warm people, complex and beautiful landscapes, savory cuisine, and rich cultural traditions, Chile can make you feel good inside and out. It’s the perfect balance of comfort…
My Paraguayan Prom
On November 30th, my Paraguayan classmates and I had our Prom/Graduation Ceremony! It’s really the polar opposite of Prom in the United States. Here in Paraguay, graduates invite all of…