Domestic Programs Info Sessions
The Innovation Team and Domestic Program Managers is offering two virtual info sessions for volunteers and prospective participants! Everyone who…
Article Archive
Promotional Materials
Help AFS-USA spread the word about our exciting summer 2026 domestic pilot programs! Domestic Programs Promotional Video: View the video…
From One Student to Thirteen: How Hosting Changed Our Family Forever
By Christina Morales Wood, AFS-USA Host Parent and Board Member Being a host family was never on our agenda. But…
AFS-USA Celebrates Youth Talk Program Success
We are proud to share recognition of and gratitude for the Colorado Rockies Area Team volunteers and key community partners…
AFS-USA Volunteers Bring Student Voices to Chicago’s Airwaves
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month in the U.S.! Volunteers are at the heart of AFS-USA, creating impact in their communities…
What Happens When You Say Yes to Hosting an Exchange Student: Meet the Dolan Family
The Dolan Family, currently living in Pennsylvania, have hosted three students: Hana from Japan, Kika from Slovakia, and Putt from Thailand, who they call ‘lifelong family…
Voices for Exchange: Reflections from My First Advocacy Day
By Jen Cusick, Director of Alumni Relations, AFS-USA Attending Advocacy Day was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. It was my first…
Chicago Domestic Program Planning Visit
On March 2nd, 2026, members of the Innovation Team attended a planning meeting for the upcoming summer domestic immersion program…
Pathfinder: NextGen Careers at Miami University of Ohio
Pathfinder: NextGen Careers at Miami University of Ohio June 22-29, 2026 | Oxford, OH Pathfinder: NextGen Careers is a one-week…
Lewis and Clark: Then and Now
Lewis and Clark: Then and Now July 12-19, 2026 | Portland, Oregon Join us for an immersive, week-long journey through…
The Table We Share: Food and Culture
The Table We Share: Food and Culture July 26 – August 2 (tentative) | Chicago, IL Participants will connect in…
AFS-USA Domestic Programs
While international exchange remains central to AFS-USA’s mission, it isn’t the only way to foster intercultural learning! That’s why, beginning…
All-Staff Meeting
In October 2025, AFS-USA gathered staff for a three-day, in-person gathering in Nashville, Tennessee. This was a chance for colleagues…
Meet the Innovation Team
Launched in August 2025, the Innovation Team supports AFS-USA’s commitment to developing new programs that respond to a changing world. …
A Short Time, a Big Connection: Our Experience as a Welcome Family
In late summer of 2017, my husband and I felt compelled to bring an AFS Exchange Student to our community…
Geert’s Legacy: How One AFS Exchange Changed My Life Forever
The following was written by AFS-USA volunteer and host parent Matt Lewis. In the summer of 1973, AFS exchange student…
How studying abroad inspired Haken Anderson to bike across the world
Haken Anderson is an AFS-USA Study Abroad Alum who lived in Thailand during his 2023-24 exchange year with the Kennedy-Lugar…
How YES Students Made Our Family Grow
My husband Ben and I do not have children. We both come from small but loving families, where we are…
Finding My Voice Through YES: A Journey of Music and Friendship
I’m Mert Özer from Türkiye, a YES alumni from 2024. Participating in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program…
How Hosting Mudy From Tanzania Changed Our Family Forever
We began hosting Mahmoud “Mudy” Hassan Omar from Tanzania in the fall of 2024 through the YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange…
Beyond 10 Months: The Lasting Impact of YES
When I was 15, I left Türkiye to spend a year in Florence, South Carolina, as a YES student. At…
Why the World Still Needs the YES Program
My name is Sharona Raghoebir, and I had the privilege of being a YES exchange student from Suriname to New…
YES Opened My World — An Open Letter on Why Exchange Matters
My name is Songül Düger, and I am a proud alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program (2015–2016,…
A Year That Changed Everything: My KL-YES Experience
My name is Jasmin Kojjeh, a proud alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. I participated in…
YES Gave Me a Family, a Future, a Voice
I am Janet Sam-Kobba a current YES alumna from Sierra Leone, West Africa. I was part of the YES 2018…
The Lifelong Value of International Student Exchange
The following article was written by Dennis Tierney, support and volunteer coordinator in the AFS-USA Florida Area Team. I was…
From Tanzania to the US: How the YES Program Shaped My Journey of Leadership and Service
It was in August 2016 when I landed in the United States of America as a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and…
The Year I Ate My Way Back Home
From midnight Oreo runs to durian in the mountains, Hamza Awaisi’s YES Abroad year in Indonesia was a journey from…
From Kenya to Michigan: How the YES Program Changed My Life
Hi! My name is Brian and I am a proud YES alumnus from Kenya. Ever since I was selected for…
Salsa Oaxaca
My cousin married a man from Oaxaca and her mother in law taught her how to make this. When we visited them in the mountains of Oaxaca we had this.
AFS-USA New Board Members: Focus on Strategic Priorities
New York, NY, June 23, 2025 AFS-USA, the largest partner in a worldwide network of non-profit, volunteer-based international education organizations, has welcomed four new members…
What We Do Matters – Now More Than Ever
By Tara Hofmann, President & CEO, AFS-USA In a time of growing division and uncertainty, the work of building understanding…
Our “Why”: First-Time Host Parents Discover the True Meaning of Global Connection
Ashe Purscell is an AFS volunteer and host parent currently living in Des Moines, Iowa. She and her husband Dan…
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…
Family Forever: A Host Family’s Reunion
August from Norway reunites with his host family in the USA after 10 years.
AFS-USA Study Abroad Photo Contest: A Glimpse into Study Abroad Experiences
At the end of the academic school year, we ask current AFS students who are studying abroad to share the…
How Do Our Students Get Here?
Introduction Have you ever wondered what the AFS student application and selection process entails? What makes a great candidate for…
Building a Global Family with AFS-USA
AFS-USA host parents come from all walks of life – while some are retirees or seniors who are looking for…
The Lifelong Benefits of Hosting an Exchange Student for Your Children
There are countless benefits to hosting an exchange student in your home when you have children. AFS exchange students form…
Challenging Assumptions: One Host Family’s Journey with AFS-USA
Bradley and Lance are an AFS host family currently living in Madison, Wisconsin. As first-time host parents, they welcomed Daniel…
Alumni Spotlight: Abby Verrando
In this article, Abby Verrando, a California high school student in her junior year, responds to a series of questions…
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Fershing
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting Sue Fershing, a longtime AFS volunteer and host parent. Here’s what she…
Colorado Student Receives AATF Scholarship
Bella C. from Colorado Receives AATF & AFS-USA French Summer Language Camp Scholarship We’re excited to announce the recipient of…
Why I Give to AFS-USA: An Interview with William (Bill) R. MacIntosh
Bill MacIntosh, an AFS-USA alumnus who participated in an exchange program to Brazil (Brasil in Portuguese) from 1964-1965, recently sat…
Janice Mills and an AFS 50th Year Reunion!
In this article, Janice Mills, an AFS-USA Alumna who went to Sweden with AFS in 1972, shares her experience during…
The Love Language of AFS
AFS programs have a magical way of bringing people together; across oceans, borders, languages, and cultures, participants often can’t help…
School Outreach Celebrates 13 Young Educators
Thirteen young educators have earned full scholarships (sponsored by BP) to attend the annual AFS Youth Assembly in New…
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…
7 Reasons You Should Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an exchange student with AFS-USA is not only a wonderful experience for a teen from another country – it’s…
My study abroad story from Italy to the US: an unexpected return
Tommaso Casavecchi is an AFS-USA Marketing Intern, an AFS alumnus (Italy to U.S., 2018) and a volunteer in his hometown…
Three Generations of Hosting with AFS-USA
The Quandt family first started hosting with AFS-USA in the 1960s when they welcomed Kashu, a student from Afghanistan, into…
Albert and Louise D’Agosto Scholarship
Albert and Louise D’Agosto created this $2,000 scholarship to promote learning Italian language and Italian culture through a year-long AFS…
The UNICO Avon Chapter Scholarship
The UNICO Avon Chapter Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship made available by the Avon, Connecticut chapter of UNICO National. UNICO…
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…
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…
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…
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…
2025 AFS-USA Global Educator Award Winner
AFS-USA is proud to name Kirsten Salonga from Justice High School in Falls Church, Virginia as the 2025 recipient of the AFS Global Educator of the Year Award.
Peter M. Robinson
Treasurer
AFS-USA Meet the Students
This site is only available to residents of the United States. To find out more about AFS hosting opportunities in…
An AFS Adventure to Austria in 1968!
This article is written by AFS-USA Alumnus Dave Schrader. Dave is currently an AFS Volunteer in the Greater Los Angeles…
Meet Mikea: AFS Host Student and Global Citizen
Mikea R. is an exchange student from Albania on the YES Scholarship Program (yesprograms.org), hosted by AFS-USA in Rockford, Illinois.…
Why Hosting is a Rewarding Experience
This blog features interviews from the Judy family and two students hosted by Dar Fredrickson in Pennsylvania. Both interviews were…
Cooper E. King Memorial AFS Scholarship
The Cooper E. King Memorial AFS Scholarship was established with the support of family and friends in 2006 to commemorate…
Phyllis Runkel Scholarship
Local scholarship for students in Canandiagua, New York.
Protected: Ireland Semester and Year Visa Guidelines
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Protected: Dominican Republic Semester and Year Visa Guidelines
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20 Fun Activities for you and your Exchange Student
Whether you’re hosting a high school exchange student or your relatives from abroad are visiting, these quintessential American activities are…
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche was everywhere in Argentina! My host family always had it at home. It is a very popular ice cream flavor, and is common to eat any time.
AFS Welcome Families make a world of difference
What is a welcome family? A welcome family provides a home and a warm welcome for a student for a…
How hosting an exchange student kept me sane after study abroad
AFS/YES Abroad exchange student alumna, Carly, shares her family’s experience hosting Fionn from Germany! Hosting an AFS exchange student from…
How to Enrich Your Family by Hosting
After a friend of theirs decided to host an AFS Exchange Student, Margaret and Matthew C. from Michigan were curious…
Lead
Mercimek Çorbası
There are a few secret steps in this recipe that come from the owner of a Turkish restaurant! Not using a hand-blender makes all the difference!
Veggie/Shrimp Tacos
I love this recipe because it's simple, and also because it can be vegetarian.
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
They are the yummiest chocolate chip cookies I have ever had. The orange zest and nuts are optional based on your taste preferences.
Salade d’avocats
This recipe is special in the sense that it makes you eat healthy and at the same time it is tasteful
Milanesas Argentinas
It's amazing and if you go to Argentina you have to eat them.
Тавче гравче – Tavche bean
Tavche bean is a traditional Macedonian specialty. It carries the spirit and history of our country.
Ghouriba Bahla
Moroccan Almond Cookies (means silly cookie in English). This is the kind of Moroccan pastries I like the most, and makes me remember home. We enjoyed cooking together and the cookies are very tasty.
Yakisoba
Fried noodles with meat and vegetables on it. “Yakisoba” is a very easy food to make, so it has been part of Japanese everyday meals.
Empanadas Argentinas
Traditional food for Argentinians served at parties with friends.
German Gefüllte Pfannkuchen (filled pancakes)
A fabulous dish you will enjoy making and eating it. It is an authentic taste of Bavaria! Guten Appetit!
Fried Rice with Grilled Chicken and Fried Egg
Easy fried rice with chicken and egg recipe.
Submit a Recipe
Share your favorite recipes from around the world. We’re eager to explore new cultures and new dishes with our AFS community!
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…
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…
7 Simple Ways to Pass Peace Forward
You don’t have to spend lots of money or make a grand gesture to have an impact. In fact, small…
How one Florida dad gained another daughter
Of his time with his current exchange student, Adriana from Germany, Chris recalls making "20 million memories, the greatest of which is life."
Bringing the world into your home: The unexpected effects of hosting an exchange student
An AFS Host Mom discusses how she and her family spread peace through understanding.
A host sister’s perspective – Gaining a sister and an open mind
My family's experience hosting a foreign exchange student has helped shape who I am today.
Welcoming a Host Daughter, Gaining a Friend: An Interview with Emily Humphrey
Emily Humphrey shares the heartwarming story of her relationship with her host daughter Lulu, the power of the #AFSEffect, and the value of intercultural learning.
5 things you always wanted to know about hosting an exchange student
Hosting an exchange student is an amazing opportunity to form lasting personal bonds, share your culture and values, and expand…
Global family; lifetime of hosting starts with “Welcome”
We have gotten to know many wonderful young people, families and volunteers through our affiliations with AFS. Looking forward to traveling and visiting a lot of the young people.
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…
Michelle C. Pinedo
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
“What culture?” – Why rural areas are perfect for cultural exchange
Rural areas are ideal places to experience cultural exchange, from small-town high school spirit to traditional folk cultures, tightknit communities, and more!
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…
Edelweiss Scholarship
The Edelweiss Scholarship is made available by the Clarksville Edelweiss Club. Scholarship Type: Merit-based Scholarship Value: $4,000 Available Scholarships: Two…
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.