Student Stories

Our students go to many countries and all have a unique experience. So, the best way to learn about what it means to go on an exchange is to listen to them!

Apart from reading the students’ stories below, there are also some radio interviews by students available HERE. Hear it in their own words!

  1. Nicola-Hanekom-Diving

    South African Exchange Student Takes Up Diving and Qualifies for State Competition!

    Congratulations to Nicola Hanekom who is currently in the USA as part of the YES 2018-2019 cohort. She had never dived before departing for her exchange year, but has now qualified…
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    If you see something that needs changing – change it!

    “If you see something that needs changing – change it!” Gabriel Pillay returned from his exchange programme in 2017, after spending 10 months as a student at Oakland Mills High…
  2. Nonhlanhla Mncwabe banner 2

    Connecting – One Shirt at a Time!

    Nonhlanhla Mncwabe returned to South Africa in 2017 from her exchange year to Port Huron High School, Michigan, determined to give something back to her community. She became very involved…
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    Student Stories – Ayron Paige Gallop – Year Programme to Brazil 2017

    This post was written by Ayron Paige Gallop, an AFS student from South Africa on exchange in Brazil. Ayron is one of the young deserving students who received the 2017 Investing…
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    Student Stories – Mohau Mofokeng – Year Programme to China 2017

    This is the second post by Mohau Mofokeng, an AFS student from South Africa on exchange in China. Mohau is one of the young deserving students who received the 2017 Investing…
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    Student Stories – Ambani Makuya – Year Programme to Philippines 2017

    This is the second post by Ambani Makuya, an AFS student from South Africa on exchange in the Philippines. Ambani is one of the young deserving students who received the 2017…
  2. Ayron 2

    Student Stories – Ayron Paige Gallop – Year Programme to Brazil 2017

    This is the second post by Ayron Paige Gallop, an AFS student from South Africa on exchange in Brazil. Ayron is one of the young deserving students who received the 2017…
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    Student Stories – Lwandile Jacobs – Year Programme to USA 2016

    April- Finally winter’s gone, the flowers are blooming and the land is looking fresh, lush and beautiful.  Having no fences around most places helps me get to appreciate all of…
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    Student Stories – Ambani Makuya – Year Programme to Philippines 2017

    My name is Ambani, but people call me Dean. I am a 17-year-old from South Africa who has been granted an amazing opportunity to go on a student exchange. With…
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    Student Stories – Nqobile Nhlapho – Year Programme to Argentina 2017

    So my first month in Argentina was amazing with highlights such as visiting Villa Carlos Paz during my second week here and starting school. I attend Colegio Adoratrices which lies…
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    Student Stories – Mohau Mofokeng – Year Programme to China 2017

    This post was written by Mohau Mofokeng, an AFS student from South Africa on exchange in China. Mohau is one of the young deserving students who received the 2017 Investing in Africa’s Future…