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…
4 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…
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…
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 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.…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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.…