Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at AFS Intercultural Programs

AFS mission is to develop active global citizens

AFS defines active global citizens as people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a more just, equitable, peaceful and sustainable world.

One of the key dimensions of an active global citizen is that they value and belong to a common and diverse world: Active global citizens know themselves and see themselves as belonging to a common and diverse world for which they care,responsibly committing to uphold values of human dignity and diversity.

Active global citizens engage in understanding and relating to others across differences, being able to take perspective with empathy and compassion, and committing to dialogue and respect.

AFS is committed to the principles of DEI, as they are inherently embedded in the educational framework of active global citizenship.

The principles of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community for the AFS network and its organizations aligns exactly with these stated educational goals relating to developing Active Global Citizens. A more just, equitable, peaceful and sustainable world cannot be possible if the world is only those things for a select group and not everyone.

“One of my favorite things about being the CEO of such a great organization as AFS is listening to countless stories of AFS volunteers, students, families, alumni and others about how they are making a positive change in their communities.”

By Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs
(originally delivered as a speech at AFS Austria, October 2018)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at AFS Intercultural Programs

Becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.

AFS mission is to develop active global citizens

AFS is committed to the principles of DEI, as they are inherently embedded in the educational framework of active global citizenship.

AFS receives the 2024 PIEoneer Award for Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter

Continued Efforts to Be a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Organization

AFS Receives Award for Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education

The power of mobility programs in fighting xenophobia and promoting diversity

AFS Expands Program to Catalyze 5,000 Young Changemakers Worldwide

“One of my favorite things about being the CEO of such a great organization as AFS is listening to countless stories of AFS volunteers, students, families, alumni and others about how they are making a positive change in their communities.”