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American Field Service
Intercultural Programs |
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The American Field Service Student Exchange Programme was established more than 50 years ago by American volunteers who had driven ambulances to carry the wounded from the European battlefields of World War I and World War II. After the Great War, they resolved that they would do everything in their power to ensure that no carnage on that scale would ever occur again. Their solution? To begin an international student exchange program for high-school-aged youth---a program which would bring young people to live as part of American families and study with Americans their own age, in schools that would accept the students without charge as part of their student bodies. |
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| From early exchanges, a mission developed which guides the work of more than 100,000 volunteers worldwide today. |
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Students representing ten countries, in the U.K. for the Community Service Programme |
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AFS Mission: "To provide opportunities for people to gain the knowledge, practice the skills, and acquire the attitudes to live productively and harmoniously in a multicultural, global society." |
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Various Exchange Programmes |
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Rebuilding a drystone wall with British colleagues in Lancashire |
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An AFS Returnee speaks about his experience on a Summer Community Service Programme to United Kingdom: |
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"yes, I learned alot about a different way of life. It was rather an adventure for me. Soon, I was paired up with Johannes, from Germany, and we would travel together for the remainder of the programme. AFS established two host families for us. In the case of Johannes and I, we were welcomed in the marvellous city of York and the lush countryside of Shropshire on the border with Wales. Living with two families gave Johannes and I incredible insight into the daily ways of life in the U.K.. Between family stays, we were placed in British Conservation camps managed by BTCV, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Here, we did a valuable service to the host country as a way of thanking the people for their hospitality and generosity. Johannes and I helped to rebuild a drystone wall in the elevations of Lancashire and excavate an 18th Century folly in Shropshire that once housed elephants. My experience with AFS in the U.K. truly made me a world citizen, because I now think of this planet with memories of a place other than my hometown. I know people overseas that I care about and I've made friends all over. It's a wonderful feeling to interconnect with people and share in the awesome adventure of exploring a new land while doing something constructive and learning skills in the process..." |
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My travel partner, and good friend, Johannes. |
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Grant, Savannah, Ga. Contact |
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photos and returnee statement: |
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What does AFS offer youth? |
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Year and Summer Programmes
Summer Programmes
*Homestay
*Homestay: Language Study
*Homestay: Plus
*Community Service & Team Mission (featured on this page)
Interim Programmes |
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With host father, Roy, in Northern Wales |
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Year and Semester Programmes |
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These programmes offer a student the chance to know what it means to live, study, and really feel at home in a different country and culture.
While you are sharing in your host family's daily routines, studying your host country's history and culture in a new educational system, and taking part in extracurricular activities, you'll be making new friends, learning a new language or increasing your language skills, and experiencing life like never before! |
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Summer Programmes |
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AFS Students at Host Country Orientation |
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Imagine hiking to a hot spring in Costa Rica, studying Mediterranean aquatic life off the coast of Sicily, immersing yourself in the French language in Nice, helping handicapped children with their riding lessons in Argentina, restoring a cathedral in England, or learning to cook Thai-style. Sound like fun?
Irrespective of which one you choose, you'll become a member of a community in a new culture as you share your summer days with your host family and newfound friends. |
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Homestay |
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Learn about another culture and discover new strengths within yourself, as you become a member of your host family for the summer. |
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Homestay: Language Study |
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Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in a language, either through your host family, through formal language instruction, or both. |
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Interim Programmes |
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Many students decide to take a break between high school and college to enhance their college applications, broaden their experiences or consider alternative study and career choices. Others take a break while in college for some of the same reasons. If this sounds like you, AFS offers programmes in ten countries that are specifically tailored to meet your needs.
AFS Interim programmes are so much more than a chance to experience life in another culture. There are two kinds of programmes-Community Service and University Study. |
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Homestay: Plus |
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Enjoy all the benefits of a Homestay programme, plus group activities that provide a change of scene and an opportunity to discover new interests. |
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Community Service & Team Mission |
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Would you like more information about AFS? |
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Make a difference by living abroad and actively contributing to a host community through voluntary work. Team Mission participants travel and work together as a group, with an American leader. |
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Return to Home Page |
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