As you likely know, AFS-USA began as American Field Service. Started as a volunteer ambulance corps in 1915, each AFS office is deeply rooted in volunteerism. Being a volunteer led organization as a main tenet of our AFS partner standards. That means that the role of volunteers, and the work of our volunteers, is critical to AFS’s success. It is one of the things that allows AFS to stand out from other exchange organizations. Our programs offer authentic, immersive experiences with volunteers who are local to the area in which young people are placed.
As a way to give back to AFS, we encourage you to consider volunteering. There are many ways that you could get involved with volunteering, either at a local or national level! At this point you should have been reconnected with your local volunteer area team. If not, feel free to reach out to studyabroad@afsusa.org and we will connect you!
Locally, you can help to prepare future participants by talking about your experience at orientations or offer to speak with interested applicants and parents about your experience. You can also help volunteers spread the word about AFS and its programs by leading a presentation at your school, and helping out with events that involve the local hosted participants in your team.
Nationally, you can offer to be a cultural ambassador resource. These are returnees who are called upon to share their experience in a particular country at a national level, typically at orientations but sometimes to share experiences along with staff to future applicants and parents. For more information please contact us at studentlearning@afsusa.org.
Interviewing future applicants is another great way that you can get involved! You can register to be a sending interview for your local team, or you can request to become a national interviewer to conduct interviews for applicants who are applying from parts of the country not represented by AFS teams, or whose teams are unable to complete their interviews for one reason or another. This is a rewarding position that allows for fully virtual action, and you choose to participate, or not with each given request.
To become a registered AFS Volunteer, start here.
If you have additional questions about ways that you can get involved, please contact the Study Abroad team at studyabroad@afsusa.org and we will be glad to provide additional information, or put you in touch with the right folks to help you give back by volunteering with AFS!