Explore the World from Home

Connect with communities and cultures while social distancing

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              In this extraordinary time, when feelings of isolation may arise as many of us maintain social distancing, we can still use virtual exchange and resources to learn, connect, and increase our cultural awareness and empathy. Quarantine is temporary, but curiosity about the world is endless.

              While we all adjust to distance learning, this is where you can explore the countries, territories, and cultures in which AFS brings people together. As we’re social distancing, we can still learn online with each other, create global solidarity, and plan our next adventures.

              We need intercultural exchange and global solidarity now more than ever. Stay with us as we’ll be updating this page frequently with new resources and virtual exchange opportunities.

              Where do you want to explore?

              AFS-USA connects people across 90+ countries and territories. Search here to find more about the places, people, and perspectives you can find out there. Learn online about aspects of cultures like family dynamics, holidays, official languages, cuisines, and more.

              Explore by region:  Africa | Asia | Europe | Latin America | North America | Oceania

              What is Culture?

              Culture Points is a series of posts that quickly explain broad cultural concepts, communication styles, norms, values, and orientations, which help us make sense of cultural differences and suspend judgement. These posts are like overlooks or viewpoints that can help us pause and gain perspective on any intercultural journey. They are part of our step-by-step guide to living abroad, Culture Trek.
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                What is Culture?

                Culture is not easy to define. Some aspects of culture are obvious and concrete, like art or attire, while others are less noticeable or even subconscious, like body language or the social values that dictate it.
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                What are Generalizations & Stereotypes?

                Generalizations are a type of hypothesis, or guess, of what we expect to encounter when we interact with a certain culture. Stereotypes take generalizations too far, applying them to all members of a group.
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                Individualism & Collectivism

                Individualist cultures value independence, while collectivist cultures prioritize interdependence and relationships with others.
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                Direct & Indirect Communication Styles

                Direct communication styles make the author’s intentions obvious—they say exactly what they mean. Indirect communication styles tend to hide or camouflage the speaker or writer’s true intentions and use a more nuanced tone.

              Ready to start your Culture Trek?

              Learn more

              What is Intercultural Exchange?

              We need global solidarity and cooperation among countries and cultures now more than ever. Active global citizens are made for times like these. See how you can be an everyday ambassador and promote peace, even while social distancing.

              Global Citizenship while Social Distancing

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                7 Simple Ways to Promote Peace While Social Distancing

                As many of us around the world are staying home to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, we’re focusing…
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                Everyday Ambassadors: Public Diplomacy and Why It Matters

                When we think of international diplomacy, we might imagine heads of state at official meetings, but in fact everyone can (and should) engage in diplomacy.
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                8 Inspiring Hispanic Internationalists

                In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting influential Hispanic internationalists who advocated for peace, civil rights, and multiculturalism,…
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              Global Teens

              Our students bring together diverse perspectives. Here you'll find everything from lists of TV shows popular around the world to interviews and guest blogs from our exchange students and newest alumni.

              ...From Around the World

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                Movies from Around the World

                For the newest installment in our…From Around the World series, we delve into movies recommended by our hosted students from…
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                TV Shows from Around the World

                For the next post in our…From Around the World series, we explore favorite TV shows recommended by our recent hosted…
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                Breakfast from Around the World

                For the second installment of our …From Around the World series, we dig into food! Or, more specifically, breakfast. We…
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              Exchange Student Stories

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                An Interview with AFS Alumna, Amanda Sawyer (U.S. to Spain, 2018-19)

                When Amanda first decided to study abroad, her main goal was to learn Spanish. What she didn’t realize was how…
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                Embracing a Spanish Summer: A Reflection by AFS-USA Pride Scholar Ryan Rodriguez

                Ryan Rodriguez is an AFS-USA Pride Scholar who traveled to Spain on our Global Prep program. In his personal essay,…
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                An Open Letter from a Thai AFSer on Hosting

                Grace Madthing is an AFSer from Thailand who turned his experience as an exchange student into a passion for diplomacy…
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              AFS Virtual Programs

              Explore virtual programs

              Global Families

              Cultural exchange isn't just for students. Host families, communities, volunteers and donors all help bring us together and share our cultures.

              Host Family Stories

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                A host sister’s perspective – Gaining a sister and an open mind

                My family's experience hosting a foreign exchange student has helped shape who I am today.
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                Far Fewer than Six Degrees of Separation

                On a trip to Italy, U.S. Host Parents Gayle and Randy discover what a small world it can be when you're part of the AFS community.
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                Welcoming a Host Daughter, Gaining a Friend: An Interview with Emily Humphrey

                Emily Humphrey shares the heartwarming story of her relationship with her host daughter Lulu, the power of the #AFSEffect, and the value of intercultural learning.
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              Recipes from Around the World

              Exchange recipes with our community

              Global Educators

              Now is a critical time to show your students the importance of diversity and global competence with our lesson plans and resources. We know distance learning comes with unique challenges, especially for teachers. Keep your class engaged with the world while they learn from home.
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                Education Resources During COVID-19

                AFS-USA’s Director of Educational Outreach hosts Professional Development Webinars combining educational content, educational technology resources, and intercultural learning activities.
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                Educators

                A community dedicated to developing intercultural and global competency in our schools and communities

              AFS-USA supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by facilitating programs and providing resources to amplify and encourage action towards the UN’s vision for a more sustainable and peaceful world.

              Learn more