100 Years of Volunteerism. 70 Years of Exchange.
Any student or educator can become a global citizen when schools partner with AFS-USA.
Global Readiness in Indiana Towns (GRIT) through School and Community Collaboration
The Global GRIT Project provides rural communities in Indiana with global and intercultural experiences without having to leave home! Global GRIT brings international exchange students to live with host families in the community and attend the local high school. We offer unique professional development opportunities for teachers and support cross-cultural connections and events for all members of the community. We encourage you to get involved—there’s a role for everyone!
The Global GRIT Project is designed to provide rural communities in Indiana with global and intercultural experiences and learning opportunities. The project for students, staff and community members through student exchange and professional development programs provided by the project collaborators: AFS-USA, Indiana University and the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning. We encourage you to get involved. There’s a role for everyone in the community. Become a Host Family. Become a Community Volunteer. Support the international projects throughout the school year. Get to know the exchange students.
Become a Host Family
With more than 70 years of experience and 100 years of history, AFS is a leader in international high school exchange. Hosting an exchange student means more than providing a bed and meals. As an AFS Host Family, you’ll welcome a new member into your home, share your everyday lives, and grow as you get to know each other and share your cultural perspectives. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself, your family, and community. Have a life-changing experience in your own home – become a host family!
By hosting an AFS Exchange Student in your home, you will start seeing the world from fresh perspectives.
Bring the world to your home
Enter your zip code to see exchange students coming to Indiana from around the world
Our AFS international partners select young cultural ambassadors who are eager to experience life as a member of a family, school, and community in America.
As an AFS volunteer, you will build meaningful connections with exchange students and their host families. You will serve as a guide for students and families through the international exchange experience while developing your own cross-cultural communication skills. As a key part of the AFS support network, you’ll work directly with international high school students and their U.S. host families to foster a life-changing journey for both parties.
Through regular meetings with you, an AFS student can get the most out of their experience in the U.S. You’ll have help from a community of local volunteers and staff, creating an opportunity for learning and sharing as you navigate the intriguing cultural differences that make the exchange experience so rich and rewarding.
If you enjoy problem-solving, meeting new people from around the world, and facilitating intercultural understanding, this role could be the right fit for you! Become an AFS Volunteer today!
Be a Global GRIT Educator
As a Global Grit Educator, you will receive unique professional development opportunities that will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to infuse your classrooms with global and intercultural content and perspectives, and receive PGPs. Your influence on both your local students and the exchange students will have a transformative and life-long impact. Check out some of the opportunities and resources below.
As a teacher you will help to create a more just and peaceful world through building relationships and modeling acceptance and inclusion of students in your classroom. Becoming a Global GRIT Educator with your school district, you will receive unique professional development opportunities to support your efforts in building strong relationships with every student. Your influence on both your local students and the exchange students will have a transformative and life-long impact.
Global Competence Certificate
SDG Resources Page
Classroom Resources
IU Professional Development Opportunities
Participating School Districts 2022-2023
Collaborating Partners
