Going abroad is a big adventure – and preparing for it is an important part of the experience. AFS-USA provides several pre-preparation activities to help you feel ready, understand what to expect, and make the most of your time abroad.
Your four main preparation activities:
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Pre-Departure Orientation Course – Required for all students
This short online course introduces you to important information about AFS rules, cultural adjustment, and what to expect from the experience.
Read more about the online Pre-Departure Orientation here
Estimated Time: 30 minutes -
Local Orientation – Required for students on programs of 4 weeks or longer.
If you have a local AFS Volunteer team nearby, they will invite you to an in-person orientation to help prepare you for the experience. This will also be a moment to connect with other AFSers in your area, from all programs. If you do not have a local volunteer team nearby, you will be invited to an online orientation facilitated by AFS volunteers.
Read more here
Estimated Time: Typically around 4 hours -
AFS-USA Welcome Webinar Series – Required
These live and recorded webinars cover topics that will help you prepare for life abroad, including host families, cultural adjustment, travel, and what to expect when you arriveYou’ll find more information about the webinar series below.
Estimate Time: Webinars range between 1 – 1.5 hours. -
The AFS Student Learning Journey Online Course
This course will help you reflect on your goals for studying abroad and develop skills to make the most of your intercultural experience.
read more here.
When will the webinars take place?
Once you have been accepted to go abroad with AFS you will receive an email with information about the four preparation steps listed above. The AFS Welcome Webinar Series, designed to help you prepare for your experience abroad is outlined in more detail below.
| When will I receive information about my webinar series? | When will my webinar series take place? | |
| January-April Program Departure | September/October | November - January |
| June - September Program Departure | March/April | May - July |
Note: Travel webinars may take place closer to your departure
What will the webinars cover?
AFS Welcome Series: Say Hello to your fellow class of AFSers!
Audience: AFS Students
Description: Meet the other students in your AFS cohort and explore the intercultural tools AFS provides to help you prepare for your time abroad. These resources will equip you to navigate cultural differences and make the most of your experience in a new environment.
Link to join this webinar – check back soon
AFS Welcome Series: Preparing for Host Families, Schools, Visas and More
Audience: AFS Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Description: This webinar is facilitated by the AFS Study Abroad staff who have been working with you and it is designed to help you prepare for the period between your application being sent to the host country and your international departure. This webinar covers program and preparatory logistics, including what type of host family to expect, when to book domestic travel, basics on applying for a visa, paying your program fee, etc.
Link to join this webinar – check back soon
AFS Welcome Series for Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Supporting your Family’s Study Abroad Journey:
Audience: Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Description: Parents and guardians of AFS students, join us to learn how to best support your student throughout their journey. Discover who to contact for assistance while they are abroad and what to expect during their intercultural adjustment.
Link to join this webinar – check back soon
AFS Welcome Series: Alumni Panel & Regional Insights
Audience: AFS Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Description: This webinar focuses on the exchange experience in specific geographic regions. Designed to help you prepare for your exchange by hearing directly from AFS alumni themselves this webinar will feature a panel of AFS Alumni who will share their experiences on topics such as:
- Preparing to leave home and adjusting in the first few weeks
- Life with a host family and navigating cultural differences
- School life, language learning, and making local friends
- Strategies for self-care, communication, and reflection while abroad
Insights shared will help you better understand cultural norms, expectations, and how to make the most of your time abroad.
Link to join this webinar – check back soon
AFS Welcome Series: Travel Webinars
Audience: AFS Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Description: About a month before your departure AFS travel staff will conduct a travel webinar specific to your destination country. You will learn about what to expect on your day of travel and how best to prepare. We will discuss your domestic travel plans, how to navigate international airports, what to do in case of travel issues and more.
Link to Travel Webinar 1 for countries…… coming soon
Link to Travel Webinar 2 for countries……coming soon
Pre-Recorded Resources (Optional):
AFS Welcome Series: Being You Abroad
Audience: AFS Students
Description: Packed with information and resources this pre-recorded webinar will explore identity and self-perception, both at home and abroad. Participants will have a chance to reflect on their cultural lens when engaging with different cultures and perspectives.
Topics include stereotypes, expectations vs. reality, perceptions of being American, celebrity status, cultural fatigue, and self-care. We invite all participants to attend and consider how their experiences shape their views of other cultures, and how others' experiences influence their perception of them.
This webinar will also help you identify strategies and resources for a safe, meaningful, enriching experience abroad. All students, regardless of cultural background, are encouraged to watch this informative video and share insights in the interactive chat afterwards.
Link to Being You Abroad - check back soon
AFS Welcome Series: Telling Your Story with AFS
Audience: AFS Students
Description: This super informative video delivered by our marketing gurus will guide you on ways you can share your story and leverage your experience with a variety of marketing tools and creative mediums. We will discuss ways to connect and collaborate with peers and consider how best to market your experience for college and job applications. Inspiring and packed with resources, watch this video in your own time and get inspired to share your story!
Link to Telling Your Story – check back soon
Upon your return:
Your AFS experience doesn’t end when you return home.
After your program, join us for a special Welcome Home Webinar with fellow AFS students and alumni. We’ll celebrate your experience, reflect on what you learned, share stories, and explore ways to carry your new perspectives forward. Look out for an invitation in your inbox after you return home.
If you have questions about Orientations, Online Learning courses or the webinar series, please email studentlearning@afsusa.org