AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.
We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That’s six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.
AFS Mission
AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.
Why become an AFS Exchange Student now?
Living and studying abroad will prepare you for life in ways that no other experience can–you’ll learn more, gain more, and grow more than you thought possible. You’ll be making many important decisions soon. Do it with a “real world” view. Give yourself a competitive edge on college applications and resumes. When you return, you’ll become part of a prestigious international network of AFS Returnees whom you’ll make friends with throughout your life–wherever your life takes you.
What does it mean to be an AFS Exchange Student?
It means you’re studying abroad with one of the most valued, reputable, and experienced leaders of high school student exchange in the world. AFS has 60 years of experience in international education with programs in more than 40 countries. And, it’s one of the largest, community-based, volunteer organizations in the world––that means volunteers committed to the AFS Mission who are working together to give you the best possible experience. These are just a few of the reasons why close to 13,000 students, young adults, and teachers choose AFS for their study abroad experience each year.
Bigger Than Just You
While you’re abroad with AFS, you will make friends with people in your host country and with other AFS Exchange Students from around the world. That is one way you support the AFS Mission of creating a world of understanding and peace. And when you return home, your journey begins anew: you become part of a worldwide network of AFS Returnees. That group includes business leaders, politicians, diplomats, educators, entertainers, scientists, journalists, and even an astronaut. Many credit their careers to the experience of living and studying abroad with AFS. When you return from your study abroad experience, join our AFS Returnee Program by contacting us at 1-800-AFS-INFO or returnee@afs.org. Want to talk with someone who already is an AFS Returnee? Call us at 1-800-AFS-INFO.
Support
Every year, close to 13,000 students, young adults and teachers choose to study abroad with AFS in more than 40 countries–places with programs, offices, staff, and trained and experienced AFS Volunteers. One of the reasons why AFS stands out from other exchange organizations is that AFS has one of the largest, volunteer-based networks of its kind in the world. AFS Volunteers will be there to help and support you. Read more about Safety and Risk Management within AFS.
Scholarships and Financial Help
We also help you get there. AFS provides approximately $1.5 million in scholarships and financial assistance to students every year. And if you need to raise money for your program, AFS will give you advice, information, and ideas on what worked for others in their communities.
Lifelong Connections
When you return home, you’ll be part of a worldwide network of more than 370,000 people who went abroad with AFS; more than 100,000 live in the United States, while the rest live in more than 100 other countries. As you meet AFS Returnees throughout the world and throughout your
life, they’ll share how their experiences helped to shape their lives—and you can share yours. Plus, don’t forget about the connections you’ll make with your host parents, host brothers or sisters, new friends, and other AFS Exchange Students on your program.
AFS-USA Executive Staff
Margaret Crotty – President
Kristen Bates
Jorge Castro
Keri Dooley
Helen Lowman
Kerry McCollum
Jonathan Shakes
AFS-USA Board of Directors
Kimberly Ritrievi – Chair (FL)
Janet Bennett (OR)
Carson Gleberman (NY)
Gail Inaba, Vice-Chair (NY)
Stuart Israelson (FL)
Katherine Stone Kaufmann (MA)
Kenton W. Keith (DC)
Matt Margolin (NY)
Jenny Messner (NY)
Kelly A. Moylan (PA)
Christopher B. Nelson (MD)
Erinch R. Ozada (NY)
Susan Rowley (IN)
Carlos Sandoval (NY)
Jeffrey Schaider (IL)
Sundar Subramaniam (MA)
Susan Wallach (NY)
Adrienne White (IL)
To contact the AFS-USA Board of Directors please email BoardContact@afs.org.
