Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy different traditions. Take time to appreciate, value and deepen your insights about other perspectives, cultures, religions and important world issues.
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
Choose Programs:
Open up your world to new possibilities
AFS intercultural adventures transform your life forever! We call it the #AFSeffect
Become global
Become change
Open your mind to a new way to view the world and help others see the world the way you experience it. Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
Become fluent
Go to a new school, learn a new language and find ways to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds–skills that you’ll take back home and use for a lifetime.
Become yourself
Discover new things about yourself and your place in the world. Learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities to grow and become more mature.
It's not a year in your life, it's a life in a year.
“Going to China was the best decision I made as a teenager. If anyone told me, you’d be more open and caring and speak Chinese in the next year, I would have never believed it. I still talk to my host mom till this day. I love china. It’s my second home.”
—Allan Okomeng-Mensah,
AFS student from Ghana to China
Where do you want to go?
How can I become an AFSer?
You’ve explored AFS programs online or met us in person. Now you are ready to apply! Here's what to expect on your intercultural journey with AFS:
Find a program and start applying
Our application is thorough. But knowing some key things about you will help make your AFS experience amazing. If you’re stuck just give us a call.
You’ve been selected!
Not everyone becomes an AFS student. Your application, interviews and recommendations tell us how ready you are for an international student exchange. Now the fun begins!
Attend your AFS Orientation Session
AFS orientation sessions (before, during and after your program) help you navigate personal and cultural growth opportunities while you’re abroad.
Jump on plane and meet the world
Dedicated AFS volunteers, host families, and staff are prepared to make your AFS experience an intercultural learning adventure you’ll never forget.
how to get your parents to say yes!
Information for parents
AFS is a leading study abroad program for secondary school students, supported and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. Since 1947, AFS has prepared young people with practical skills and knowledge valued by universities and employers—and needed to succeed in a global world. AFS programs help young people learn about a world beyond their own communities—and become comfortable interacting with people from other countries and cultures.
Go AFSNext—programs designed for young adults, professionals and teachers
The next generation of AFS international study, volunteer and internship programs offers adults exceptional opportunities to achieve your global ambitions. Stimulating AFSNext experiences provide adults of all ages with a clear advantage in many ways and every profession—at home and around the world.
Our Programs
Whether you are in high school, at a university or jump-starting your career, AFS has the right program for you! Go to school, learn another language or check out our cultural internships and volunteer abroad opportunities. Host families and volunteers are waiting to help make your intercultural learning experience the best time of your life.
Contact us for more information.
High school year program
Can you imagine travelling to the other side of the world, going to school in another country, living with a new family, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture? Then the AFS high school year program is just for you.
The benefits of an AFS exchange are more than just the excitement, fun, and adventure. An AFS experience will also develop a lot of the skills that are critical to success in your future studies, career and personal life. An international AFS exchange is a challenge and a unique adventure. It is for teenagers and adults who are after the extraordinary.
With AFS you don’t have to be a top student and have the best grades to go overseas. What you will need is a commitment to education and your community as well as energy, drive and a desire to achieve. You must also have a genuine interest in people and the world around you.
Countries which participants can choose from but not limited to include France, China, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Japan and USA.