"Congratulations on beginning your journey as an AFS exchange student! AFS has always believed in the power of people-to-people connections, and relationship building as the best path to achieving peace in our world. True cultural immersion and stepping totally outside your comfort zone is how we become vulnerable enough to grow friendships, build respect, and create new values. We are thrilled that you are taking this immersive journey with us and are excited to see how much your AFS experience will change and shape you."
-Tara Hofmann President of AFS-USA Intercultural Programs
Welcome to AFS Help & Learning, which is your online guide to review before you travel to prepare for your experience. There's a lot to review, so we recommend that you start off by reading the following articles first:
1. Learn more about the country you are going to by going to our Country Resources section and finding the country you are traveling to. Be sure to click on and review the various resources which range from important AFS handbooks to helpful tips will help you get ready.
2. Review the AFS Framework for Active Global Citizenship! Accepted applicants to an AFS program have shown that they have the Qualities of an AFSer (Resilience, Open-mindedness, Adaptability, and Compassion). These skills will help you to achieve the AFS educational goals and learning objectives for while you are on program. You should start thinking about these goals, and preparing yourself for the challenge of meeting them while abroad!
3. Attend the AFS Pre-Departure Webinar Series. Depending on your program students will be invited to register for 5-6 webinars (parents/guardians are invited to attend 3-4 webinars) that will cover important information to assist in preparing you for your experience abroad.
4. The AFS Medical Plan is important to review well in advance of your departure so you are aware of your coverage while abroad. All AFS participants have the opportunity to purchase Additional Liability and Baggage Insurance for their experience, however, it can only be done prior to departure. We encourage you to read about this important option early on in your pre-departure preparation.
5. To be successful on your program abroad you will need to follow AFS Rules, Guidelines and know how to reach out for Support. Read these three articles well in advance of departure so if anything is unclear you can ask questions.
What is AFS' History at a Glance?
AFS Intercultural Programs began as the American Field Service (AFS), which had its origins in 1914 shortly after the outbreak of World War I, when young Americans living in Paris volunteered as ambulance drivers at the American Hospital of Paris. Having witnessed both the devastation and brutality of those wars, Stephen Galatti, the Director General of the American Field Service Ambulance Corps during the world wars, challenged his comrades to focus their post-war efforts on peacebuilding. His vision was to educate a new generation of enlightened world leaders by bringing high school students from countries formerly at war to the United States to live, study, and develop a sense of community in an effort to promote peace.
We are thrilled that you have chosen to participate in a tradition of building bridges across cultures to bring the world together. While every AFSer will have a different journey, you will join a storied history of alumni who have participated in a multitude of international experiences. With the help of this online resource, AFS-USA hopes to provide you with the information you need to be prepared before, during and after your program. Becoming familiar with the AFS mission statement will help you understand your own role in AFS a little better. All AFSers — Participants, Host Families, Volunteers and Staff—work to fulfill this mission and honor the legacy of Volunteerism established from the very beginning.