AFS Intercultural Programs

AFS Intercultural Programs is a global not-for-profit Network that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. Through our international exchange programs, education initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy, we empower young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for making a difference. AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and intolerance. AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sexual orientation, language, religion or social status. AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance. AFS is a non-profit international exchange organisation for students and adults that operates in more than 60 countries, and organises and supports intercultural learning experiences. Founded by volunteer ambulance drivers following WWII, and sustained to this day by an international cadre of tens of thousands of volunteers, AFS has transformed the lives of millions of students, families and individuals. You can participate in an AFS Program by becoming an exchange student, sending your daughter or son abroad, hosting an AFS participant in your home or at your school, by volunteering or by doing an internship abroad. Whether you take part in a short program that lasts for a few weeks or live with someone from another culture for a full year, our exchange programs provide you with a personal growth experience that will last for a lifetime. We pursue our mission by providing quality intercultural learning opportunities for a growing number of young people, families, other stakeholders and wider audiences, thus developing an inclusive community of global citizens determined to build bridges between cultures. Real life experiential learning, supported by structured reflection, is the core of our programs. We endeavour to link our intercultural learning opportunities to the defining global issues facing humanity. We reach out to past, current and future participants, volunteers and other stakeholders using the media and technology they use. Volunteers and volunteerism are who we are. Our organization brings about changes in lives through and for our global community of volunteers. AFS offices in 60 countries work with partners, schools and local organizations to deliver on our three strategic impact goals: • Develop active global citizens • Globalize schools and institutions • Expand access to intercultural learning.