AFS Intercultural Programs: Learn more about us and our mission

AFS Intercultural Programs is a global not-for-profit Network that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

Through our international exchange programs, education initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy, we empower young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for making a difference.

AFS Mission

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

AFS Values

AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.

Global competence is the “power skill” young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world and global economy. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges and help more people benefit from a global economy.

Keeping our AFS Participants Safe

AFS around the world is committed to protecting the safety of AFS participants. AFS believes that it is always unacceptable for any person to experience abuse of any kind and makes all reasonable efforts to safeguard the welfare and minimize the risk of abuse of all people participating in AFS programs.

Staff and volunteers of AFS around the world who become aware of an actual or potential situation of abuse or harm have a duty to promptly address the situation according to AFS policy. They also have a duty report the situation to the local authorities in accordance with local law requirements and any applicable national or local policies and procedures.

We deliver mission-driven impact three ways

Develop active global citizens to take action

Globalize schools and institutions with tools and programs

Expand access to intercultural education with scholarships and outreach

AFS Theory of Change

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Experience

Study Abroad

Provide young people with immersive international or intercultural experiences.

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+ Learn

Global Skills

Support them with structured and facilitated intercultural learning journeys that lead to global competence.

+ Practice

Social Impact

Give them real-world social impact and changemaking exposure through training, activities and projects.

= Active Global Citizen

Have the essential global skills they need to live, learn, work and volunteer to contribute to society and change the world.

CREATE A MORE JUST AND PEACEFUL WORLD

2019 AFS Annual Report: Developing Active Global Citizens

Throughout 2019, AFS offices in 60 countries worked with donors, partners, schools and local organizations to deliver on our three strategic impact goals:

Develop active global citizens,
Globalize schools and institutions, and
Expand access to intercultural learning.

We are grateful to our strategic partners for supporting our vision to ensure we are inclusive and relevant to the communities we serve.

Download the 2019 AFS Annual Report

2020 AFS Intercultural Programs Inc. Audited Financials
2019 AFS Intercultural Programs Inc. Audited Financials

2019 AFS 990 form | 2019 Sentio 990 Form
2018 AFS 990 form | 2018 Sentio 990 Form

Explore our previous Annual Reports:

2018 Annual Report | 2017 Annual Report | 2016 Annual Report | 2015 Annual Report | 2014 Annual Report

AFS History

AFS Intercultural Programs began as the American Ambulance Field Service, a volunteer ambulance corps created in April 1915 by A. Piatt Andrew. Learn about how AFS was transformed from a wartime humanitarian aid organization into a groundbreaking international secondary school exchange, volunteer, and intercultural learning organization in our timeline!

View AFS timeline

AFS is proud to partner with a large network of Global and Local Affiliates around the world.

Find out more

Meet Our Select Partners & Sponsors

Work with us

AFS Intercultural Programs’ office in New York City leads a global not-for-profit Network that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

We are a community of talented, innovative and passionate professionals that advance our mission. You can find more information about career opportunities at AFS International here. For more information about careers in one of our member organizations, please contact our colleagues directly.

Why Join Us

Benefits

AFS Intercultural Programs offers a comprehensive benefit package to our staff which includes a selection of Medical, Dental and Vision plans, 403(b) Retirement plan, generous accrued time off, work-life balance, Employee Assistance Program, and other perks.

Professional Development

We believe in the continuous growth and development of our team members. As such, we foster opportunities with our organization through a variety of training and coaching. Team members who join our organization have the opportunity to develop their skills within the organization, advance through multiple roles by engaging in diverse culture and values.

Global Experience

Working with AFS Intercultural Programs means interacting with colleagues and students from around the world. We encourage international applicants to apply for our career opportunities.

About AFS

AFS Intercultural Programs leverages the power and reach of National AFS Organizations working together to accelerate the local, global and collective impact of our 105-year not-for-profit.