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Health & Fitness

I have heard of AFS, but how it is different from other organizations

Barbara Casey, Neighbor
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AFS-USA (formerly the American Field Service), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world for more than 65 years. That’s six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

The key hallmark of an AFS experience is the immense support a student will get while on program.  

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With nearly seven decades of exchanges under their belt, here is how you will benefit. The AFS network:

  • Exchanges almost 13,000 individuals each year.
  • Has more than 50 partner organizations including AFS-USA.
  • Maintains an alumni network of more than 424,000 individuals who have studied abroad on an AFS Program.
  • Is supported by more than 44,000 AFS Volunteers worldwide.
That last bullet is key.  Imagine you've landed in a foreign land and have been met by your host family.  What do you do should you encounter an issue?  You haven't even mastered the language yet.  Here is where those 44,000 AFS volunteers come in.  Each student is paired with a local liaison.  This is usually someone who has been an AFS exchange student themselves, who understands the cycle of adjustment and also understands the local cultural norms.  He/she can step in and advise you.  You always have another resource in addition to your host family in your local community.  AFS has a very strong alumni network of even more - 400,000+ of us out there who will and do jump in to help with an array of activities, orientations and support.  You'll never feel alone.  That's the AFS difference.  If you'd like more information about how to become an AFS exchange student, please contact me at barbara@caseylight.com.  I am a local volunteer for AFS and have experienced an AFS abroad program. Or visit http://www.afsusa.org/ and click on study abroad

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