Since 1947, AFS has prepared young people with practical skills, knowledge and more needed to thrive in a global world. Today we’ve enhanced these 21st Century competencies by introducing new state-of-the-art AFS Learning Journey Curriculums so you can follow along as your student grows. Many universities and employers seek students and young adults who have a sense of the world beyond their own communities—and are comfortable interacting with people from other countries and cultures.

Why should my child go abroad with AFS?

For over 70 years, AFS has an exceptional reputation for providing quality international programs that develop skills essential to succeed in the 21st Century. The AFS experience:

  • Builds confidence, broadens perspectives and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Includes respected intercultural education and language learning components that are valued by universities and employers.
  • Offers fun adventures that makes learning easy and meaningful to teens.
  • Provides lifelong access to a global community of friends, connections and volunteer opportunities.

What types of programs does AFS offer?

AFS offers a variety of programs for students. They can attend a local secondary school in another country as a full-time student during an academic year, semester or trimester. Cultural immersion, language study, volunteer opportunities, and single topic courses (such as investigating environmental issues or studying new technology) are short-term opportunities lasting several weeks up to three months.

Where will my child live?

Most AFS students (especially in our high school study abroad programs) live with a caring host family. AFS host families are carefully chosen, screened and prepared to welcome AFS students into their homes. Once the application is accepted, local AFS volunteers and staff will identify a community and family that are right for your child. Or, depending on the program and country, some students may live in dormitories with home stays on weekends, others stay in camp-like settings.

How will AFS support my student?

The health, safety and well-being of our students is the number one priority for AFS. AFS volunteers and staff are committed and trained to support students and their families throughout the AFS experience. AFS has consistent guidelines that apply to all AFS Organizations. All AFS Organizations also have a local 24-hour emergency contact number that is always monitored.

Choose Programs:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • North America

Open up your world to new possibilities

AFS intercultural adventures transform your life forever! We call it the #AFSeffect
STU_GLOBAL

Become global

Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy different traditions. Take time to appreciate, value and deepen your insights about other perspectives, cultures, religions and important world issues.

STU_CHANGE

Become change

Open your mind to a new way to view the world and help others see the world the way you experience it. Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

STU_FLUENT

Become fluent

Go to a new school, learn a new language and find ways to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds–skills that you’ll take back home and use for a lifetime.

STU_YOU

Become yourself

Discover new things about yourself and your place in the world. Learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities to grow and become more mature.

How can I become an AFSer?

You’ve explored AFS programs online or met us in person. Now you are ready to apply! Here's what to expect on your intercultural journey with AFS:
STEP1

Find a program and start applying

Our application is thorough. But knowing some key things about you will help make your AFS experience amazing. If you’re stuck just give us a call.

STEP2_ST

You’ve been selected!

Not everyone becomes an AFS student. Your application, interviews and recommendations tell us how ready you are for an international student exchange. Now the fun begins!

STEP3

Attend your AFS Orientation Session

AFS orientation sessions (before, during and after your program) help you navigate personal and cultural growth opportunities while you’re abroad.

STEP4_ST

Jump on plane and meet the world

Dedicated AFS volunteers, host families, and staff are prepared to make your AFS experience an intercultural learning adventure you’ll never forget. 

It's not a year in your life, it's a life in a year.

“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, exchange student from Paraguay to Japan

A bit about your journey

If you want a life-changing experience, then AFS Program is the one for you. AFS will give you a new insights on life, learning new culture, learning a new foreign language, and of course, gaining new friends and family.

You will gain new personal skills that will enable you to adapt anywhere. You will learn to be independent, responsible, and flexible. Those will be valuable in all stages of your life.

As an AFS student, you will go to a local high school, and experience a different learning environment in a different education method. Of course, you will also get new friends!

You will live in a host family, who will accept you as a part of their family. This host family will help you during the program, and will be the best resource for you to learn the culture. You can also share your own culture with them

Being an AFS student is an experience of its own. Exploring new challenge and experience will be a new achievement in your life. AFS volunteers are also ready to support you, according to a standard and procedure designed by AFS to ensure your positive experience during program.

  • First grade in High School (SMA/ SMK/ MA)
  • For 2019-2020 Year Program, born between 01 August 2001 ​ –  01 August 2003
  • Agreement and consent from parents and school.
  • Citizen of Indonesia, proven by birth certificate.
  • Physically and mentally fit for the program.
  • Participate in selection stages conducted by Bina Antarbudaya. Selected candidates will be eligible for the AFS Program according to selection result.
  • Registration and application start from 10 March 2018 – 16 April 2018

Learn while exploring a whole new world

AFS helps you turn every experience into a true learning moment. Our volunteers and staff will guide you through the AFS Student Learning Journey—with a curriculum developed by knowledgeable AFS educators and other intercultural experts from around the world. Orientation sessions and monthly meetings with trained support volunteers will help you make the most out of your exchange—and prepare you for a lifetime of cultural encounters. 

How AFS prepares you for your experience
AFS-students

how to get your parents to say yes!

Information for parents

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 with practical skills and knowledge valued by universities and employers—and needed to succeed in a global world. AFS programs help young people learn about a world beyond their own communities—and become comfortable interacting with people from other countries and cultures.

Read why AFS is the right choice

Go Global Indonesia —programs designed for young adults, professionals and teachers

The next generation of AFS international study, volunteer and internship programs offers adults exceptional opportunities to achieve your global ambitions.  Stimulating Go Global Indonesia experiences provide adults of all ages with a clear advantage in many ways and every profession—at home and around the world.

Take a look

Connect with AFSers from around the world!