AFS-USA Resources to Celebrate Black History Month Year-Round
This is a collection of materials and resources gathered by AFS-USA staff in celebration of Black History Month. While Black…
Article Archive
My AFS Experience: Hosting, Studying Abroad, and Volunteering
My name is Tori and I’m a current AFS Volunteer, Returnee from Japan (2010), and past host sister. I’m here…
Cooper E. King Memorial AFS Scholarship
The Cooper E. King Memorial AFS Scholarship was established with the support of family and friends in 2006 to commemorate…
AFS Maine Global Explorers: Adventurer Scholarship
Local scholarship for students from Maine.
IN MEMORIAM: Richard M. Hunt, AFS Volunteer, Historian, and Philanthropist
AFS is saddened to announce the passing of AFS World War II volunteer and Life Trustee Richard (Rick) M. Hunt,…
Protected: Ireland Semester and Year Visa Guidelines
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Protected: Dominican Republic Semester and Year Visa Guidelines
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Jill Woerner Appointed to ACTFL’s America’s Language Fellows Working Group
In September, AFS-USA's Director of Educational Outreach, Jill Woerner, was invited to serve as one of America’s Language Fellows because of her unique experiences both with ACTFL’s Professional Learning Committee and other initiatives.
Alumni Newsletter: Fall 2020
Dear AFS-USA Community, While we are all immersed in challenges these days, we’ve also come to value the stability of…
Women Volunteers and Suffragettes in WWI
The early twentieth century brought forth opportunities for women beyond the home front: work, education, social reform, and political engagement. While many conservative Americans fought against this change in gender roles and believed women needed to be home, World War I served as a catalyst for volunteerism and ultimately, women’s suffrage.
Life in the Dominican Republic
The Essentials All Programs AFS Participant Guide AFS Medical Guide Safety Tips Travel Guide Year/Semester High School AFS Dominican Republic…
Developing Your Potential
Overview: What key behaviors are tied to success in the content area you teach? Help your students explore what those…
Defining Myself
Overview: Do your students know if they belong to a “me” or “we” culture? This lesson teaches students about collectivist…
From Cartoons to Classics
Overview: Movies and television are rich sources of intercultural content when you know what to look for. This activity will…
Critical Listening through Debate
Overview: Enjoy an intercultural twist on a unit idea that’s been used for years. Active listening skills, critical thinking and…
Listen and Draw
Overview: No artistic abilities are required for this quick activity regardless of whether it is a stand-alone activity or unit…
Paper Tear
Overview: Take 3-minutes and generate a fabulous discussion about the power of perspective, active listening, and interpersonal communication. This can…
The What, Why, and When
Overview: Building off the lesson “The What and Why”, students will engage in brief writing activity to determine if their…
The What and the Why
Overview: Do your own personal values and the values of others impact your daily actions and priorities? This activity helps…
Mapping My Community
Overview: What makes a community? Is it the people, the landmarks, the events or something else? This activity is a…
The D.I.V.E. Method
Overview: Give students a method and a reason to process new and different things that they see, hear and experience…
Who Are The NACIREMA?
Overview: Using a model by Horace Mann, this lesson will challenge students to consider the strong ties between language and…
Rituals and Traditions
Overview: School routines, rituals and traditions have a large role in the formation of community and students’ comfort levels while…
Interview and Investigate
Overview: Verifying the source of information and understanding how different sources provide varying perspectives on the same topic can be…
The True, The False & The Truly Amazing
Overview: When students form an emotional connection to something that they are learning, they are more likely to remember the…
Your Identity Will Be Valued: My Time In Germany by Tony Valencia, AFS and CBYX Alum
“Only through dialogue and communication can differences be understood and appreciated.” – AFS and CBYX Alum, Tony Valencia ’18- ’19.…
AFS in Action: Anti-Racism Resources for the AFS Community
“At a time when the world is overcome by pandemics both viral and societal, AFS’s guiding principles of inclusion, diversity,…
Cultural Webinars for Educators
As part of showing our gratitude to educators and all of their hard work during Teacher Appreciation Week, AFS-USA coordinated…
What it’s Like to Host an Exchange Student from the Middle East
For James and Karen Graham, hosting an international exchange student with AFS has been a way to explore new cultures…
3 Commonly-Asked Questions About Hosting Exchange Students…Answered!
This post was written by Michelle Kulas, an AFS Host Parent. Here it is, the day that my family has…
20 Fun Activities for you and your Exchange Student
Whether you’re hosting a high school exchange student or your relatives from abroad are visiting, these quintessential American activities are…
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche was everywhere in Argentina! My host family always had it at home. It is a very popular ice cream flavor, and is common to eat any time.
AFS Welcome Families make a world of difference
What is a welcome family? A welcome family provides a home and a warm welcome for a student for approximately…
How hosting an exchange student kept me sane after study abroad
AFS/YES Abroad exchange student, Carly, during her study abroad year in Indonesia. Hosting an AFS exchange student from Germany has…
Words of Wisdom from 2017-2018 AFS Exchange Students
May 2018 — This past mid-May, dozens of exchange students across the Carolinas spent a few hours together to consider…
One family says “Welcome back!” to their AFS Exchange Student
The Dordal/Boyd family from Olympia, Washington was excited to reunite with their former exchange student, Gamze from Turkey. Despite the…
How to Enrich Your Family by Hosting
After a friend of theirs decided to host an AFS Exchange Student, Margaret and Matthew C. from Michigan were curious…
Exchange student leaves behind legacy in Wisconsin
Moving to an American town 6,000 miles from home might leave a teenager shy or timid. But not Maryse, an…
Lead
Mercimek Çorbası
There are a few secret steps in this recipe that come from the owner of a Turkish restaurant! Not using a hand-blender makes all the difference!
Veggie/Shrimp Tacos
I love this recipe because it's simple, and also because it can be vegetarian.
COVID-19 Resources for Parents
As learning moves from the classroom to the living room AFS-USA is ready to support families in their at-home learning…
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
They are the yummiest chocolate chip cookies I have ever had. The orange zest and nuts are optional based on your taste preferences.
Salade d’avocats
This recipe is special in the sense that it makes you eat healthy and at the same time it is tasteful
Alumni Newsletter: Special Edition | Spring 2020
AFS was founded in response to a global crisis in 1947 by American Field Service Volunteer Ambulance Drivers. In times…
Milanesas Argentinas
It's amazing and if you go to Argentina you have to eat them.
Тавче гравче – Tavche bean
Tavche bean is a traditional Macedonian specialty. It carries the spirit and history of our country.
Returnee Spotlight: Nurse LeeAnn on the Frontlines of the Pandemic
LeeAnn Pinchock is an AFS Returnee who spent her senior year in a tiny town near Cologne, Germany. Ann now…
Ghouriba Bahla
Moroccan Almond Cookies (means silly cookie in English). This is the kind of Moroccan pastries I like the most, and makes me remember home. We enjoyed cooking together and the cookies are very tasty.
Yakisoba
Fried noodles with meat and vegetables on it. “Yakisoba” is a very easy food to make, so it has been part of Japanese everyday meals.
Empanadas Argentinas
Traditional food for Argentinians served at parties with friends.
German Gefüllte Pfannkuchen (filled pancakes)
A fabulous dish you will enjoy making and eating it. It is an authentic taste of Bavaria! Guten Appetit!
Fried Rice with Grilled Chicken and Fried Egg
Easy fried rice with chicken and egg recipe.
Submit a Recipe
Share your favorite recipes from around the world. We’re eager to explore new cultures and new dishes with our AFS community!
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…
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…
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.
How one Florida dad gained another daughter
Of his time with his current exchange student, Adriana from Germany, Chris recalls making "20 million memories, the greatest of which is life."
Bringing the world into your home: The unexpected effects of hosting an exchange student
An AFS Host Mom discusses how she and her family spread peace through understanding.
A Lifetime of Intercultural Exchange
Hosting an exchange student does more than impact your family's year; It can alter the course of your lives forever.
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.
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.
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.
What it’s Like to Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an AFS Exchange Student opens your family to the world! We provide a glimpse into what it's like, answers to common questions, and what we do to support you.
10 Thank Yous from Hosted Students to their Teachers
We gave our hosted students the chance to thank their teachers for making them feel welcome in their classrooms and chose ten of our favorite messages.
5 things you always wanted to know about hosting an exchange student
Hosting an exchange student is an amazing opportunity to form lasting personal bonds, share your culture and values, and expand…
AFS Host Mom Nudrat Shares Her Experience Hosting an International Student
Nudrat I. from Minnesota explains her reasons for hosting and how sharing the year with an exchange student from India has impacted her family.
Global family; lifetime of hosting starts with “Welcome”
We have gotten to know many wonderful young people, families and volunteers through our affiliations with AFS. Looking forward to traveling and visiting a lot of the young people.
An Interview with AFS Host Parent, Sheri Belton-Gonzalez
Sheri is a shining example of a global citizen with an enthusiasm for intercultural exchange. A study abroad student herself,…
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…
Advice & Resources for Black Students Abroad
We know that being black abroad comes with unique challenges. You may encounter different forms of racism and colorism or…
Featured Educator: Allison Haltom
The United Nations Global Goals, or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a great foundation for student learning. They are global…
Michelle C. Pinedo
Chief Financial Officer
Returnee Spotlight: Marcio A. da Fonseca
It’s no secret that AFSers go on to do extraordinary things. Marcio A. da Fonseca is no different. Marcio, an…
One year later: Local Projects from AFS-USA’s LIFT Workshop
How does AFS-USA, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with more than 70 years of experience, continue to improve the ways that…
“What culture?” – Why rural areas are perfect for cultural exchange
Rural areas are ideal places to experience cultural exchange, from small-town high school spirit to traditional folk cultures, tightknit communities, and more!
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…
AFS-USA Exchange Students featured in the Baltimore Sun
December 23, 2019 – On Monday, the Baltimore Sun published an article about AFS Exchange Students living with host families…
What we learned at ACTFL’s 2019 Annual Convention and World Languages Expo
December 20, 2019—Our staff had a blast mingling with world language educators and representatives from study abroad and global learning…
Edelweiss Scholarship
The Edelweiss Scholarship is made available by the Clarksville Edelweiss Club. Scholarship Type: Merit-based Scholarship Value: $4,000 Available Scholarships: Two…
How to Write a Great Essay for the Project: Change Scholarships
To help you earn a scholarship to go abroad and become a changemaker, we’ve put together 8 tips to help…
NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel’s “AFS Effect”
Did you know that Richard Engel, NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent, is an AFSer? As a teenager in the early…
IEW Contest Winners 2019
International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative led by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education…
Slang from Around the World
Slang reveals much about a culture and its sense of humor, attitude, and values. It’s the words and expressions we use colloquially that are indicative of regional personality and spirit, as well as our intercultural similarities and differences.
NAASP’s “Principal Leadership” magazine publishes article by AFS-USA President Tara Hofmann
December 3, 2019—AFS-USA President & CEO Tara Hofmann’s article, “Student Exchange as a Path to Global Citizenship” is featured in…
Congratulations to AFS-USA’s 2019 Volunteer Recognition Awardees!
November 21, 2019—A half dozen volunteers received awards and honors during a Friday evening ceremony at the AFS-USA Volunteer Summit…
Sudip Mukherjee
Sudip Mukherjee Wealth Management Advisor and Portfolio Manager, Merrill Lynch As a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management,…
Young Alumni Reflections
For more than 70 years, AFSers like you have helped advance international awareness and cultural understanding while at the same…
In photos: “The Competitive Edge: Global Experience for a Diverse Workplace” event at IIE
NEW YORK, N.Y., November 7, 2019—Key findings of a AFS Global Alumni Survey were shared at an event Tuesday evening…
New Research Report, “Creating Global Citizens: The AFS Effect”
NEW YORK, N.Y., November 6, 2019—AFS released a large-scale research report on Tuesday, focused on the impact that AFS exchanges…
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…
Study Abroad Articles, Host Family Articles, Volunteer Articles, Educators Articles, Alumni Articles
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.
Protected: Travel
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Protected: Overview of Virtual Programming
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Virtual Host Families & Peers
Thank you for volunteering to be a host family, facilitator, or peer for our YES & FLEX students! Below are…
Individualism & Collectivism
Individualist cultures value independence, while collectivist cultures prioritize interdependence and relationships with others.
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.
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.
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.
The Year That Changed My Life
My AFS journey began in the summer of 1996, when I went on an AFS year program in France.