AFS-USA
Why choose 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, adap...
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 the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
It was a new experience.
August 06, 2025by: Delaney Fehr - United StatesProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in ItalyThe experience was decent. It wasn’t the greatest for me because of some personal complications and I didn’t love my location. Overall I have no problems with AFS, although me and the other students in my area didn’t not like Intercultural because there were several occasions of them breaking rules and not helping the students when needed.
Hurt, scared, alone, and returned home
May 01, 2025by: Julian Barajas huerta - United StatesProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in ItalyI had been sent home for something out of my control and was blamed for it, I also had talked to my tutor about the racial abuse I was facing and the constant harassment from others. I was called many bad things especially comments on my skin color. My tutor blamed me for looking different and told me I shouldn’t be me. I was also threatened with guns and knives while I was out. Many times I was harassed and almost assaulted on multiple occasions. Then the school asked for me to pay for a trip then AFS chose to send me home where I still have not received my refund for the trip
I literally had the time of my life.
April 27, 2025by: Laith Mohammad - United StatesProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: Spain Summer Language StudyI never thought I would make friends in the country that I studied in because I didn’t learn that much of the language, but I did make friends and I didn’t expect that. I am so grateful to AFS for this experience and will never forget it.
AFS-USA Programs
Browse programs you might like
Develop fluency in the French language and culture by living with a host family and studying at a local high school. Paris is magnificent, but F...
Rewrite your high school experience while walking among ancient ruins and sampling the world’s best gelato! By going to a local school, you’ll ...
Mention Argentina and people think of gauchos, sultry tango dancers, or maybe Evita - but there's more, from first-rate museums, galleries, theat...
Germany is a world of majestic palaces, charming villages, and cutting-edge cities brimming with cosmopolitan delights. Known as the land of “Dic...
From Carnaval, one of the world's most famous celebrations, to the ever-present fútbol culture, Brazil never fails to excite all the senses. It i...
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Julie Ball
Interviewed in 2018
An avid traveler, Julie truly started her journey in Australia as a student at Charles Darwin University. After graduating with a degree in Anthropolo...
Julie Ball
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired you to join the team at AFS-USA?
Justin DeAndrade
Interviewed in 2018
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...
Justin DeAndrade
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
You were a participant of an AFS program in Honduras. How did this experience influence you to get to where you are today?
Selina Ranade
Participated in 2022
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...
Selina Ranade
Participated in 2022
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.
Ready to Learn More?
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...
AFS-USA
AFS-USA
Ready to Learn More?
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...
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions AFS-USA has received
