Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy different traditions. Take time to appreciate, value and deepen your insights about other perspectives, cultures, religions and important world issues.
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
Choose Programs:
Open up your world to new possibilities
AFS intercultural adventures transform your life forever! We call it the #AFSeffect
Become global
Become change
Open your mind to a new way to view the world and help others see the world the way you experience it. Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
Become fluent
Go to a new school, learn a new language and find ways to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds–skills that you’ll take back home and use for a lifetime.
Become yourself
Discover new things about yourself and your place in the world. Learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities to grow and become more mature.
It's not a year in your life, it's a life in a year.
“There’s definitely a ‘before’ and an ‘after’ my AFS experience in my life. I would have never been who I am right now without AFS. It definitely changed my life.”
—Mela Cabrera, exchange student from Paraguay to Japan
Where do you want to go?
Student Stories
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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… -
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… -
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 – 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… -
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… -
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…
How can I become an AFSer?
You’ve explored AFS programmes online or met us in person. Now you are ready to apply! Here's what to expect on your intercultural journey with AFS:
Find a programme and start applying
Our application is thorough. But knowing some key things about you will help make your AFS experience amazing. If you’re stuck just give us a call.
You’ve been selected!
Not everyone becomes an AFS student. Your application, interviews and recommendations tell us how ready you are for an international student exchange. Now the fun begins!
Attend your AFS Orientation Session
AFS orientation sessions (before, during and after your programme) help you navigate personal and cultural growth opportunities while you’re abroad.
Jump on a plane and meet the world
Dedicated AFS volunteers, host families, and staff are prepared to make your AFS experience an intercultural learning adventure you’ll never forget.
Upcoming information sessions & events
IN PERSON information session
It’s time to find out more about AFS, why you should go abroad on an exchange, how to become a host family to an exchange student, and how you can get involved as an AFS Volunteer!
Periodically we run sessions around the country, if there is no session scheduled in the near future, check to see if there will be an Online Information Session; or, alternatively, contact the National Office for more information.
ONLINE Information Session
Other Upcoming Events
Scholarships & Discounts
AFS is committed to helping young people to go abroad regardless of their financial situation. That’s why AFS works with corporate and community sponsors and individual donors to help finance AFS programmes through full and partial scholarships.
how to get your parents to say yes!
Information for parents
AFS is a leading study abroad programme for secondary school students, supported and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. Since 1947, AFS has prepared young people with practical skills and knowledge valued by universities and employers—and needed to succeed in a global world. AFS programmes help young people learn about a world beyond their own communities—and become comfortable interacting with people from other countries and cultures.
Learn while exploring a whole new world
AFS helps you turn every experience into a true learning moment. Our volunteers and staff will guide you through the AFS Student Learning Journey—with a curriculum developed by knowledgeable AFS educators and other intercultural experts from around the world. Orientation sessions and monthly meetings with trained support volunteers will help you make the most out of your exchange—and prepare you for a lifetime of cultural encounters.
Connect with AFSers from around the world!
Go AFSNext—programmes designed for young adults, professionals and teachers
The next generation of AFS international study, volunteer and internship programmes offers adults exceptional opportunities to achieve your global ambitions. Stimulating AFSNext experiences provide adults of all ages with a clear advantage in many ways and every profession—at home and around the world.