AFS Exchange Programs

Open up your world to new possibilities: Life-changing global exchange programs in more than 99 destinations.

Find AFS in your country

Your AFS experience starts here:

20024084_1623500221007428_1657557793673609932_o

High School Study Abroad Programs

Study at a high school in a new country, during an academic year, semester or trimester. Make new friends, learn a new language, live with a global family, and become an active global citizen! It is all about personal growth, cultural exploration, active global citizenship and belonging.

Find out more
agya.001

Virtual Exchange

Now you don’t have to travel to become an exchange student. Experience intercultural learning, meet peers around the world and become a Global Citizen from home! AFS Global You and Global Up are high-impact, educational, fun and truly global virtual programs based on decades of expertise in the field, these programs build your personal and professional changemaker mindset and skills.

Find out more
Picture1

Short Study Abroad Programs

The AFS Academies are highly focussed short-term, theme-based programs for under 18s designed to empower you to change your world, engage in hands-on activities, and learn skills vital to becoming a global citizen of tomorrow. AFS Academies provide the perfect opportunity to explore human rights, STEM, language and culture, and sustainability.

Find out more
420166049_1162496048071487_7006926477945660573_n

Scholarships for STEM programs

AFS Global STEM Changemakers is a suite of full-scholarship, STEM and sustainability-focused intercultural exchange programs, funded by bp. Young scholars will develop the skills needed to work in and advance a sustainable future, while broadening their understanding of STEM, solving sustainability challenges, and enhancing their global awareness – all to create positive social impact.

Find out more

Why choose an AFS exchange program?

AFS is a leading study abroad program for secondary school students, supported and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. Since 1947, AFS has prepared young people to gain the practical skills and knowledge valued by universities and employers—and needed to succeed in a global world.

Find out more about AFS

The world needs more Active Global Citizens, and you can become one with AFS! Wondering what this means? Learn more about how our programs and activities will help you become an Active Global Citizen: someone 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.

How AFS Keeps Our Participants Safe

For more than 75 years, AFS staff and highly trained volunteers have been keeping students safe while they study abroad.  The health and safety of our participants is our number one priority, and we have a robust risk management and support system in place to make sure AFSers can make the most of their time abroad.

Find out more

More than going abroad - it's a learning experience!

AFS developed a Student Learning Journey & Curriculum that covers the exchange experience before, during and after the program. It’s designed to help students gain global skills, practice social impact and develop 21st-century competences – we call them AFS superpowers!

Our Active Global Citizenship programs and offers are about helping people to gain or increase their ability in four areas of development:

  • Value and belong to a common and diverse world
  • Inquire critically about the world beyond immediate environments
  • Understand and relate to others across differences
  • Take action toward collective well-being

Through our programs, education initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy efforts, AFS helps create them.

Find out more.

Scholaships for STEM-focused prigrams

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Initiative is a unique opportunity for young scholars to develop a greater and more personal understanding of the importance of STEM skills and global competence in helping to advance a sustainable future, while exploring real-world examples of sustainability in their communities and the world. The programs are designed to empower underrepresented populations, especially young women, with pathways to STEM and sustainability education, leadership and social impact.

There are four ways to join:

  • Global STEM Academies: The program that starts with a  STEM & social impact virtual curriculum, followed by an immersive travel experience in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, or the USA. The program focuses on the energy transition, sustainability, global skills, and social impact.
  • Global STEM Accelerators: An interactive online exchange program for girls around the world, with a focus on sustainability and social innovation, empowering young women to become changemakers in their communities.
  • Global STEM Educators: A virtual exchange program for in-service Educators worldwide designed to build the skills needed to become globally competent leaders and foster global competence in their school communities and beyond.
  • Global STEM Innovators: Programs for young leaders, that commence with an online curriculum on global competence skills and culminate in in-person workshops focused on sustainable development and local impact.

Apply now

Take part in AFS programs today and become a leader who does great things.

“There’s definitely a ‘before’ and an ‘after’ my AFS experience in my life. I would have never been who I am right now without AFS. It definitely changed my life.”

—Mela Cabrera, AFS student from Paraguay to Japan

Meet AFS alumni
08_11_23 YA WTC – social media1234

AFS Alumni: A Community of Active Global Citizens

AFS alumni are Active Global Citizens: people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a better world.

AFS alumni are making an impact across industries, in the private and public sectors and at the forefront of important international issues and social causes. For some, helping others is their life’s work. For many, volunteerism and social action are central to their personal values.

Meet the notable AFS Alumni

Contact AFS in your country to find a program that is right for you

Start your intercultural adventure by visiting the AFS website for your country. Get in touch with our staff and volunteers. They will be happy to answer all your questions and help you apply for a program.