AFS alumni are a global community of over 500,000 Active Global Citizens: people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a better world.
In over 75+ years of AFS study abroad programs, our alumni have gone on to achieve some impressive accomplishments — from heads of state and cabinet ministers to astronauts, journalists, and social entrepreneurs.
(Samanta Cristoforetti, From Italy to Minnesota, USA, 1994, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, engineer, and former military pilot who became the first Italian woman in space.)
Minister of Education, Government of Finland · AFS alumnus (Finland to Portugal, 1987)
“AFS taught me a lot about myself. It built my confidence, it showed me that I can adapt, overcome obstacles, and wander outside my comfort zone.”
Christine Lagarde
President, European Central Bank · AFS alumna (France to USA, 1973)
“I got to learn so much. Discovering a new culture, learning a new language, studying at a new school.”
Gabriel Boric
President of Chile · AFS alumnus (Chile to France, 2001)
“On the night he was elected President of Chile, Boric famously called his host family in France to share the good news.”
The Global AFS Alumni Survey found:
According to 87% of alumni, their AFS program helped them become active global citizens.
Overall, 60% of AFS alumni report that they volunteer for AFS or for another organization.
Their AFS experience helped 90% of respondents better communicate and collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds, a competency that is highly seeked in international employers today.
Almost 80% of respondents, 67% of which are <40 years of age, reported having already filled a mid-level position or higher, reaching senior (26%) and executive status (20%).
Want to explore the survey in more detail? Discover the full findings from the Global AFS Alumni Survey, including insights into alumni’s academic journeys, professional lives, global perspectives, and lasting connections. Download the full report to learn more.
Whether your AFS experience was decades ago or just a few years back, your story matters. Help us capture the lasting impact of the AFS experience — on you, your host family, and the world around you.
