Where will I live while I'm abroad?

For most AFS programs, you’ll live with a carefully-screened, volunteer host family. On most dorm-based programs, you’ll live together with other students from around the world.

Who will support me during the program?

As a volunteer-based organization that has been implementing exchange programs for over 75 years, AFS has an extensive support network for you, your family in the U.S., and your host family abroad.

AFS-USA

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VerifiedProvider

4.3 / 5Overall Rating

68Reviews

69Programs

1947Year established

VerifiedProvider

4.3 / 5Overall Rating

68Reviews

69Programs

1947Year established

About AFS-USA

With a global network covering more than 40 countries and over 75 years of high school exchange experience, AFS-USA is devoutly committed to providing high school students with an authentic international immersion experience. When students go abroad with AFS, they are offered the unique opportunity of experiencing immersion in another culture, practicing second languages with native speakers, adapting to new customs, and discovering new strengths. Studying abroad with AFS not only develops intercultural awareness and communication skills, but students can also uncover new passions and make friendships that span continents. Our 100+ programs are led by locals and supported by a vast volunteer network. This means that whatever program students choose—whether it’s a 1-3-week deep dive into gl...

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AFS-USA Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about AFS-USA

4.3

68 reviews

Rating breakdown

Top categories

Living Situation

4.3

Cultural Immersion

4.2

Program Opportunities

4.1

Health & Safety

4.0

Program Administration

4.0

Personal Development

4.0

Participated in a AFS-USA Program? Share your experience now.

4 reviews

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Chile

Discover the southernmost country of the world or, as Pablo Neruda once wrote, the country made for poets. From flamingos inhabiting the world's ...

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Contact AFS-USA

Have a question? Send us a message and the AFS-USA team will get back to you.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about AFS-USA.

When you go abroad during high school, it can profoundly transform your life. AFSers often describe their experience as life-changing, as they develop maturity, independence, and a global perspective.

AFS-USA Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Megan Frye

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Megan is originally from the midwestern area of the United States and went to Paraguay for a year in 2017 as an exchange student. After her gap year, ...

My mother went abroad with AFS when she was my age, and I grew up hearing stories and listening to her read me some children's books in Danish. I've always had a spark of wanderlust and an interest in language learning, so it was almost a given that I would follow in my mother's footsteps and do my own gap year abroad.

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Selina Ranade

Participated in 2022

Alumni

Selina is 17 and is from New Jersey. She attended a specialized high school where they had different majors. Selina chose sewing and participated in t...

I have a lot of family who live abroad, specifically one who goes to uni in Amsterdam. After being confined to my home for two years due to Covid-19 my family decided to visit my cousin in Amsterdam.

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Justin DeAndrade

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

Justin is the Manager of Customer Experience as AFS-USA. As a former AFSer, he benefited first-hand from the transformative experience of an AFS progr...

You were a participant of an AFS program in Honduras. How did this experience influence you to get to where you are today?

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