Student Quote
"The best thing that ever happened to my life is that I had the chance to see the sun on the other side of the world, to learn the differences, to learn how big the world is. I can't tell even myself how much I appreciate this amazing exchange student program."
World Map
Learn more about the countries the students are from. World Map
AFS Mission Statement
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.
AFS Web Award

Go Abroad

Flash animation with the top 10 reasons to go abroad with AFS

Students, Live Abroad This Year...

With AFS you can live and study in one of 44 different countries, for a year, a semester, or summer. Learn about a new culture by living with a host family, studying in a local high school, participating in community events, and meeting new people of all ages.

New Family and Friends

Your hosts, who are carefully selected by AFS, will welcome you into their lives as a member of their family. In turn, you arrive fresh with the chance to learn how other people relate to each other as individuals. Many AFSers have found these new family relationships endure and enrich their lives long after they've returned home.

Study Abroad

School is where you meet other students, and learn about the culture in the classroom. AFSers attend school regularly, as at home, and take course including the language and history of the country, as well as math and sciences.

Community Service Programs for High School Graduates

To build your experience base before college, you can devote a semester to vital community service work in Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, France, Ghana, Paraguay, Russia, South Africa, Thailand. Typically, your experience will include a family stay, work with a non-governmental organization, and language training.

For more information about the AFS study abroad programs: