From unforgettable short-term trips to Spain and Kenya, to lifelong lessons learned in Egypt and Australia, these episodes highlight the many ways AFS experiences shape global citizens. Whether you’re curious about volunteering, interested in studying abroad, or simply love a good story—there’s something here for you.
Study Abroad Student Stories from The AFS Exchange
Explore global stories of growth, adventure, and connection
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.
Egypt, Iceland, and How it all Began
This episode features an interview with Nico, an AFS returnee 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!
AFS Creates Active Global Citizens: Dr. Rich Besser's Story
Before Dr. Rich 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.
The Power of Study Abroad: 4 Returnee Stories
In this episode, we hear from four recent returnees who participated in AFS programs in France, Japan, Spain, and the Czech Republic. We begin with a deeper conversation with Selina, who spent a transformative summer in France with AFS after feeling the need for a change following the isolation of the COVID lockdown. Her experience abroad motivated her to continue studying internationally, leading her to finish high school in Costa Rica.
After Selina’s story, we hear from three scholarship recipients- Morgan, Dahlia, and Emmett- who share their own inspiring experiences studying in Japan, Spain, and Czech Republic. These stories highlight the life-changing impact of study abroad programs, and we’re sharing them as AFS-USA opens applications for 2025 departures.
Adventures in Adaptability: Learning (and Bonding) in Kenya
In July 2023, eleven strangers met for the first time in an airport hotel lobby outside JFK. Just three weeks later, they had lived a lifetime of adventures.
In this episode, we’re taking you to Kenya for a three-week Global Prep program focused on wildlife conservation and Maasai culture. But as this group of U.S. students journeyed across the country, they found something more: an unexpected bond that transformed them from strangers into a tight-knit group.