Step into a world where classrooms become gateways to global citizenship. This episode collection dives into the powerful ways AFS transforms the lives of educators, students, and entire school communities. Through inspiring stories and candid conversations, you’ll hear how intercultural exchange is not just changing individual lives—but reshaping how we learn, connect, and grow together across cultures.
AFS School Champions
In this episode, we interview three high school administrators from Ohio, West Virginia, and California. These educators 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?
Conversations with AFS-USA's Global Awards Winners
In honor of International Education Week, The AFS Exchange podcast features conversations with the 2022 AFS-USA Global Award winners, recognized for advancing global and intercultural competence. Educator Josh Amstutz shares how a trip to Madrid sparked his passion for international education and how he fosters global learning through project-based initiatives at the Academy of Global Studies in Ohio. At Oconomowoc High School in Wisconsin, Global School Award recipients Carrie Schultz, Danielle Chaussée, and Jason Curtis highlight the transformative impact of hosting AFS students and promoting global awareness within their school community—no passport required.
AFSers in Schools: The Impact of Student Exchange
Welcoming exchange students into your classroom can enrich the entire school community! In this episode, AFS students in Indiana and Washington share their experiences in U.S. high schools, from cultural differences to supportive teachers and school activities. We also hear from educators about how these students bring global perspectives into the classroom, creating valuable learning opportunities for all.
Global Competence in the Classroom with AFS
Celebrate International Education Week with inspiring stories from two passionate educators, Hannah Arrington of Bellaire High School in Texas and Ellen Ericson of Mahomet-Seymour High School in Illinois, who are committed to building global competence in their classrooms. In this episode, they share how their international experiences, personal journeys into education, and participation in the AFS Global Up Americas virtual exchange program have shaped their teaching and connected their students with peers in Mexico and Colombia—all in partnership with AFS.