AFS Creates Active Global Citizens: Dr. Rich Besser's Story

Before Dr. Richard Besser started his notable professional career, he was an AFS student in Australia. Since then, he has served as the Acting Director of the CDC, the Chief Health and Medical Editor for ABC News, and held many other impressive positions. Today, he is the President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization dedicated to shaping the landscape of health and healthcare in the U.S.

Throughout his expansive and varied career, the skills he gained during his AFS experience have proven instrumental. From public speaking to fostering curiosity and adaptability, AFS played a pivotal role in his success.

In this interview, we will hear about Rich’s experience in Australia, the lessons he learned, and how he has applied them to his work throughout the years. We’ll also delve into the issue of health inequity in America and discover how the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is diligently working to create meaningful change.

Guests: Dr. Rich Besser

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Meet the Hummels: AFS Host Family and TikTok Sensation!

The Hummel family has found a unique way to spread the word about the host parent experience: TikTok! With over 125,000 followers at their account @Josiewhite201, they have successfully shared with the world the value that an exchange student can bring to their family and community.

Joselyn and Devin Hummel have hosted two AFS exchange students and are eagerly awaiting their third. During the early days of their second student’s year in Missouri, Joselyn stumbled upon TikTok and was inspired to share their experiences on the platform. Over the past year, they have posted all sorts of clips, ranging from funny and quirky to heartwarming and touching.

In this episode, Joselyn and Devin will share their journey of becoming AFS host parents, the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the insightful advice they have for potential host parents. They will also talk about their TikTok experience and how they’ve utilized the platform to reach an impressive community, all while spreading the importance and value of intercultural exchange.

Guests: Joselyn Hummel & Devin Hummel

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

A Journey That Starts But Never Ends

“Your journey with AFS starts, but it never ends, because it will be with you for the rest of your life.” If you have ever studied abroad with AFS – or hosted an AFS student – you can probably relate to this! In the episode, Sarah and Tommaso share how their lives have been profoundly shaped by AFS. Discover how AFS fosters a lifelong connection to global citizenship and hear firsthand accounts of personal and professional growth.

Sarah has been a host sister to a girl from Brazil, a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova, and AFS staff member. Tommaso from Italy started as an AFS exchange student in Houston, then became an AFS volunteer after his program. He is currently back in the US, interning at AFS-USA. These stories exemplify the lasting impact of cultural exchange. This is the #AFSeffect!

Guests:
Sarah Radermacher
Tommaso Casavecchi

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

50 Years of Impact: AFS Alumnus Creates Positive Change through mothers2mothers NGO

Dr. Mitch Besser’s experience in South Africa began on his AFS program in the early 1970s, in the middle of the era of apartheid. 50 years later, his strong connection to the country remains.

Mitch’s AFS program enabled him to break free from the limitations of his small-town upbringing and explore new possibilities, ultimately leading him to establish mothers2mothers, an organization that empowers women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. After 22 years, mothers2mothers has created nearly 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV and reached more than 15 million people with critical health services.

Check out this episode to learn more about the life changing work that AFSers are doing all over the world, all with the goal to #PassPeaceForward.

Guests: Dr. Mitch Besser

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Trip of a Lifetime: An unforgettable two-week journey to Spain with AFS

You don’t need to go abroad for an entire year to be impacted by international exchange. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of short-term study abroad programs for high school students via 3 interviews with former participants to Spain in 2019.

They share their memories and insights on living with host families, learning Spanish, and exploring the culture and history of Valladolid. Through their stories, we discover how just two weeks outside of the U.S. can broaden one’s perspective, spark a lifelong passion for language and culture, and inspire future academic and career goals. Tune in to hear about the impact of short-term study abroad and learn about scholarship opportunities for AFS programs.

Guests: Amanah Qureshi, Ryan Rodriguez, Taylor Tendall

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Hosting an Exchange Student: Insights from Host Siblings and Families

Hosting an exchange student can bring a variety of benefits to host families, especially those with children, as it can change the way children perceive and interact with the world. In this episode we hear from several guests who have been either host siblings or host families with AFS-USA. Discover the benefits that hosting an exchange student can bring to your family, including teaching your children patience, compassion, and curiosity. Hear from our guests about their experiences bonding with young people from other cultures and the lasting impact it had on them.

We will hear from two host fathers and their son about their experience hosting a student from Germany last year. Next, we will hear from a former AFS-USA student from Norway about his time becoming an older brother. We will then talk to one of his host brothers in the U.S. about his experiences having multiple host brothers from different countries as he was growing up.

Learn more about hosting and meet the types of students you could welcome at www.afsusa.org/host.

Guests: Jim Walker, Ethan Taylor, Juan Carlos Walker, Erik Knutsen, Chris Kowalski

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Host Sibling Stories

Participating in an exchange program is an opportunity to have many new experiences… like finding yourself with new siblings! Living with host siblings can really add another dimension to an exchange program for a participant.

From the point of view of the host family, this experience can help open their child’s eyes to a world beyond their own. These exchanges allow host siblings of any age to begin to understand that despite living thousands of miles apart and speaking different languages, we have far more in common than we realize.

In this episode we hear from Erika from Norway and her host sister Jessica. Erika is in the middle of her exchange year in Ohio. Our second interview is a conversation with former host sister Janne Debes, who is still close with her Japanese host sister after more than 50 years.

Guests:
Erika
Jessica
Janne Debes

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Faces of America: How Scholarships Can Change Lives

Since 2010, Faces of America has been AFS-USA’s premier diversity scholarship program, empowering high school students with essential global skills and a passion for making a difference.

Faces of America embraces the ideals of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility by partnering with Community based Organizations (CBOs), family foundations, individual donors, AFS-USA alums, and others.

This episode includes interviews with volunteers and staff who work with two CBOs: The Dean’s Future Scholars Program in Reno, Nevada and the QUEST Scholarship Fund in St. Louis, Missouri. We will learn how the opportunity to study abroad has impacted the lives of students in their communities, and why it is so important to support these programs.

Learn more about Faces of America at www.afsusa.org/faces-of-america

Guests: Tara Hofmann, Lynn Whetstone, Victor Garcia, Suzanne Sebert

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Educator Resources: www.afsusa.org/educators

Celebrating 75 Years of Exchange: Jim Kiernan

Jim Kiernan’s AFS experience in Germany in 1961 was an eye-opener. He had never left the northeast United States, but after just a summer in Germany he returned home with a strong desire to learn more about the world and, in his words, “live more.”

In this episode, we hear about Jim’s AFS experience, his Fulbright program in Brazil, and his extensive professional career with the international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. After a few years in New York, Jim moved to France to help build up the firm’s European practice. Jim is now retired and splits his time between London and Washington DC.

Jim’s path is a clear example of how AFS can influence your professional and personal life. In AFS’s 75 year history, there are so many participants whose lives have been guided by their experiences with AFS.

In honor of AFS’s 75th anniversary, The AFS Exchange is releasing 4 episodes this month! That’s 4 times the stories of the impact AFS has had over the years.

Guest: Jim Kiernan

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Celebrating 75 Years of Exchange: Dana Rutson & Family

This episode focused on the impact of AFS on one family in particular – Dana, Camille, Ricardo, and Yasemin. Dana’s mother, Camille, hosted Ricardo from Brazil in 1974. A few years later, Dana went to Turkey with AFS-USA. Yasemin was her host sister, and despite having no common language at the time, they two quickly became friends and found other ways to communicate. We all got together to hear about the role AFS has played in their lives and the relationships they still share. In AFS’s 75-year history, the impact that AFS has had on the lives of its participants is immeasurable. That’s the #AFSeffect.

Guests: Dana Rutson, Camille Linen, Ricardo Ferriera, Yasemin Modler

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad: afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer: afsusa.org/volunteer

Host: afsusa.org/host

Celebrating 75 Years of Exchange: Dave Schrader

After Dave Schrader’s summer in Austria with AFS, he returned back to the US eager to help future exchange students through their programs. He has led orientations for hundreds of departing US students and incoming international students over the years. In this episode, we learn more about these orientations and why they are so important to ensure that students have a great program. Dave also shares about his experience in Austria, and the long relationship he continues to have with his host family.

In honor of AFS’s 75th anniversary, The AFS Exchange is releasing 4 episodes this month! That’s 4 times the stories of the impact AFS has had over the years.

Guests: Dave Schrader, Dona Goede, Martha Friend

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad: afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer: afsusa.org/volunteer

Host: afsusa.org/host

Celebrating 75 Years of Exchange: Fen Namwat

6 years ago, Fen left Bangkok, Thailand to begin his AFS year outside of Houston, Texas. In this episode, Fen shares his insights on his exchange year with 6 years’ worth of distance. He shares the skills he took away from his time in the US, and we hear his advice for future exchange students.

In honor of AFS’s 75th anniversary, The AFS Exchange is releasing 4 episodes this month!

Guest: Fen Namwat

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Conversations with AFS-USA's Global Awards Winners

In honor of International Education week, The AFS Exchange brings you conversations with the awardees of AFS-USA’s 2022 Global Awards! These awardees were recognized earlier this year for their commitment to helping the next generation achieve global and intercultural competence.

We hear from Global Educator Award winner Josh Amstuz from Cincinnati, Ohio about how he became interested in international education after a trip to Madrid with his father. We learn more about project-based learning and his role at the Academy of Global Studies at Winton Woods High School.

The winner of the Global School Award was Oconomowoc High School in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Carrie Schultz, Danielle Chaussée, and Jason Curtis share about the value of highlighting global competence in their school. They also discuss the benefits of welcoming multiple AFS students each year, giving their students the ability to learn about other cultures without traveling themselves. The impact AFSers can have on a school community is really far-reaching- no airplane required! That’s the #AFSeffect!

Guests: Josh Amstutz, Carrie Schultz, Danielle Chaussée, Jason Curtis

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

S2 Episode 5: Becoming a Global Citizen in Paraguay

The first time that Linda took an airplane was at age 17, heading to her AFS Program in Paraguay. Growing up in small-town Missouri, she was surprised her parents even let her go! But years later, her valuable experiences in Paraguay have continued to have an impact on her life and those around her. AFS’s goal: To build global citizens who can pass peace forward, creating a more just and peaceful world. That’s the #AFSEffect.

Guest: Linda Shepard Salzer

Study Abroad with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/study-abroad

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S2 Episode 4: Life as an Exchange Student in the US

In this episode we hear from three of the 1000+ students that AFS-USA welcomed for the 2021-22 school year. Samira from Germany, Toby from Sweden, and Mira from Austria share about their host families, schools, and what life is like for a teenager in the U.S. These three teenagers have gained confidence, maturity, and problem-solving skills during their AFS program.

They have also become cultural ambassadors, sharing their home culture with their communities in the U.S. And once they’re back home? They will be Passing Peace Forward, spreading messages of intercultural understanding across typical divides, to create a more just and peaceful world. That’s the #AFSEffect.

Guests: Samira Saduzei, Toby Bern, Paul Krzyzaniak, Mira Hargassner

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

S2 Episode 3: What is an AFS Host Parent?

What does it mean to be an AFS Host Parent? It’s more than providing a bed and meals. As an AFS Host Family, you’ll welcome someone new into your home, share your everyday lives with them, 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.

This episode includes three great conversations with host parents in the D.C. and Dallas metro areas. Listen to learn more about their motivations and expectations, and how bringing students into their homes has benefitted their families and themselves.

Guests: Sheri Belton-Gonzalez, Dallas; Rodney Warren, Dallas; Sarah Clapp, DC

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host

S2 Episode 2: AFSers in Schools

Welcoming exchange students into your classroom can benefit the entire school community! In this episode, we hear from AFS students in Indiana and Washington. They discuss their experiences as US high school students: activities they’ve been involved in, how things are different from home, and the positive impact of supportive teachers.

We also get the perspective of the teachers who work with these students. How have AFS students shared their culture and unique perspective in school, providing learning opportunities for their peers?

Guests: Medyen Jubran, Abbas Mortada, Mark Liepe, Brandi Asher (East Noble High School, Kendallville, IN); Sai Charan Tharmani and Annie DeGroot (Rainier Beach High School, Seattle, WA)

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES): www.yesprograms.org

S2 Episode 1: Growing as an AFS Volunteer

Welcome back to The AFS Exchange for Season 2! As an AFS volunteer, you gain skills that are valuable outside of AFS. Intercultural communication, leadership, marketing, event planning, content creation, project management, and more. In this episode we hear from 3 AFS volunteers who are all at points of transition in their lives. How has their volunteer experience equipped them with valuable skills to move confidently forward?

Guests: Chelsea Kidd, Chloe Marette, Anna Harris
Volunteer with AFS-USA: [email protected]

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 6: 26.2 Miles to France

This episode features an interview with Zodi Schwind, an AFS returnee who studied in France. We chat about her unique upbringing on a hospital ship off the coast of West Africa, her family, and her takeaways from her time abroad. We also learn how she fundraised $10,000 for her program in France by running a marathon! PS – she also won in her age category!

Guest: Zodi Schwind

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 5: Interview with an Ambulance Driver

This episode starts out with a brief history of the American Field Service. Next, we hear from Steve Riford, one of the AFS Ambulance Drivers during WWII. Steve shares stories of his time with the American Field Service- from boat rides and bagpipes to loud cannons and lost windshield wipers. After volunteering with AFS, Steve became a member of the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate.

Guest: Steve Riford, WWII AFS Ambulance Driver

AFS Archives: afs.org/archives

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 4: Advice from Us to You

This episode provides advice for AFS participants beginning their program abroad. AFS-USA staff were surveyed with two questions: What piece of advice would you have for new participants, and what’s something that surprised you about your time abroad?

We will hear from staff who studied abroad in Malaysia, Argentina, Uzbekistan, France, Australia, Russia, Germany, and more! While this advice is geared for study abroad participants, it is also relevant to anyone involved with AFS this fall. Major themes? Be open-minded, be flexible, and don’t be afraid to talk to new people!

Guests: Tara Hofmann (AFS-USA President and CEO), Akemi Akaiwa, Julie Ball, Keri Dooley, Libby Gartland, Melvin Harmon, Scott Hume, Paula Zhang

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 3: Egypt, Iceland, and How it all Began

This episode features an interview with Nico, an AFS alum from the U.S. who was first involved with AFS thanks to his mother, an AFS exchange student to the U.S. from Italy. We’ll hear from Nico about his experiences as an AFS participant in Egypt, AFS volunteer traditions in other countries, and how you can always come back as an AFS volunteer, even if you took some time off!

Guest: Nico Borbely
Mini Segment Guests: Patricia Chery, Alicia Chery

AFScast Paraguay can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 2: AFS School Champions

In this episode high school administrators from Ohio, West Virginia, and California provide insight about the value of welcoming AFS international exchange students into their school communities. We’ll hear about football games, hallway stampedes, lunchroom awkwardness, and… High School Musical?

Guests:
Ben McMurray, Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School (OH)
TJ Connor, Keyser High School (WV)
Karen Gordon, Valley Charter High School (CA)

Kristján Gislason on Instagram: @slidingthrough
Kennedy Lugar YES Program: yesprograms.org

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

S1 Episode 1: A Lifelong AFSer

In this episode, we chat with Kim from Wisconsin. Kim has been a host sibling, host parent, study abroad participant, and sending parent. Kim shares tips for host parents and discusses how she brings intercultural education into the preschool classroom. We also hear from a volunteer with AFS Brazil about the history of the Portuguese language in Brazil.

Guest: Kim Thompson
Brazilian Portuguese history read by: Júlia Herszenhut
AFScast Brasil on Instagram: @afscastbrasil

Click here to access a full transcript of this episode or to listen on a different platform.

Support AFS programs and foster transformative experiences.

When you donate to AFS you become part of a global community supporting our work to transform lives and share cultures. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of students, families, schools, and communities across the U.S. and abroad.

Donate

Do you have questions about this podcast? Contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!