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We Develop Active Global Citizens
The world needs more Active Global Citizens. AFS helps to create them.
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We provide extraordinary intercultural learning opportunities
The world needs more Active Global Citizens: AFS helps create them.
DISCOVER THE AFS EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK
How AFS develops Active Global Citizens
Our vision at AFS is to ensure a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable future. To ensure such a future, the world needs more Active Global Citizens: people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a better world.
Through our programs, education initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy efforts, AFS helps create Active Global Citizens.
Study Abroad Programs Crucial in Developing Global Citizens, New Study Finds
Study abroad programs effectively prepare young people to navigate, work and volunteer in global and multicultural environments, reports a new global study by AFS Intercultural Programs, a leading international education organization with 70+ years of experience with global exchange programs. The new report titled “Creating Global Citizens: The AFS Effect” demonstrates how study abroad motivates people to become global citizens and become involved in social causes in their communities.
Forget your Comfort Zone
Whether you are in high school, at a university or jump-starting your career, AFS has the right program for you! Go to school, learn another language or check out our cultural internships and volunteer abroad opportunities. Host families and volunteers are waiting to help make your intercultural learning experience the best time of your life.
Our Latest News and Events
Highlights
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“Make Waves, Not Waste”
The AFS Trivandrum Chapter organized a successful beach cleaning activity on 8 March 2025 at Poovar Beach, themed “Make Waves,… -
My Journey as an AFS Volunteer
My AFS journey has been quite long, spanning over a decade now. It all began when our daughter, Anishaa, was… -
AFS India Regional Meet South Zone 2025
AFS India South Zone Schools Meet 2025 27–29 June 2025 | Global City International School, Bangalore Enriching Highlights from…
Impact Stories
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“A Brave Decision To Go For A Year Exchange, Getting Out of Your World And Entering A Dynamic Journey”
By Vandita Rajpal from Rajkot Hosted in Finland on AFS Programs 2018 “17th August 2018 is when I began a… -
“Adopt The Pace of Nature: Her Secret Is Patience”
By Jordan Sanjay Mahida from Anand Hosted in Norway on AFS Programs 2018 “One can buy all the riches in… -
“These 10 Months Have Really Brought A Change Into The Way I Look At Life, Taught Me Countless Lessons”
By Durga Jean from Ooty Hosted in France on AFS Programs 2018 “Perfection, this was everything I dreamed about. When…
AFS empowers students and adults with the practical skills to tackle the global challenges of 21st century.
“AFS is committed to furthering the cause of the sustainable development goals set aside by the United Nations. AFS empowers students and adults with the practical skills and understanding required to tackle the defining global challenges of the 21st century. AFS as an organization helps in achieving global goals like gender equality, quality education, renewable energy, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption, peace and justice, climate action and partnerships for the goals.”
– AFS Volunteer
Welcome a new family member
Host an AFSer
Expose your family to a world outside of their own by helping an international student achieve her global dreams. Explore a new culture and share your family life and traditions.
Hear from AFSers | Experience #AFSEffect
Global Up GCC Teens Program
Global Up with GCC Teens is an award-winning program recognized internationally by Purdue University. It is a minors only (14-18 years) platform for students to learn and become an active global citizen.
Global Up with GCC by Ms. Indrani Roy, Educator, Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati
“This course includes coping strategies in crisis, navigating ambiguity…..” shares Ms. Indrani Roy, Educator, Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati. The world has not witnessed uncertainties like the one we have been undergoing for the past 8 months and if GCC can help make it better, it should be worth your time…Explore more about Ms. Roy’s experience in the video
Educators and GCC by Ms Daisy Ganguly from Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti School, Guwahati.
Global Up yourself with the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) that develops global skills essential to live, work, and make a real social impact worldwide. Through this internationally recognised course, develop essential skills, like collaboration, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication, needed for their personal, academic and professional development.
AFS Global You Changemaker
New virtual exchange program. Change the world, become part of a global community, and learn about social innovation with two world-class organizations! This program will teach you the tools you need to create your social impact project and become a Global Changemaker, no matter where you are. It was developed by AFS in partnership with the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution. Find out more at afs.org/changemaker.
Experience your world through the eyes of a young person from another country
“I think AFS gave me a lot of new endeavors. If you participate with AFS, you will see many things that you can’t see in Thailand or in your home country. You will become more confident and make your parents proud of you. You will know your host country better when you visit there instead of just viewing photos from the internet. You will know exactly how they live and their lifestyle instead of just listening from other people. A year before, I used to sit in an assembly while there were presenting about AFS.”
— Student in India from Thailand
Ready to change the world?
Volunteer for AFS
Explore your potential and pick from a choice of roles and flexible schedules. Benefit from our exceptional volunteer training program, develop your leadership skills and help others learn how to live together.
Engaging with my community; meeting people from around the world
“If I talk about the impact of this [regional volunteer exchange] program, I’m sure that along with learning a lot of intercultural values and ideas, I also came to know about how everyone is so similar to each other even after belonging to different states, cities, and religions. We paid a visit to GCIS school and the principal told us how impactful the AFS programs are in connecting a local school to a global platform in numerous ways. The exchange was only for a week but it gave a lot of learning. It was very tough to believe that we all will be sharing such good lifelong bonds with each other being from various states. It made me believe that “if you are good, the world will always be good with you.
— AFS India volunteer
Discover our innovative learning journeys
AFS Education
Learn how AFS helps people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to connect to diverse people, succeed in a global economy and help make a positive impact on the world.