AFS helps the world learn to live together

A world-class intercultural education organization; a global movement to develop and activate global citizens

What we do

Educate and activate global citizens

AFS prepares and activates future leaders, global citizens and changemakers with essential 21stcentury intercultural skills to engage, lead and collaborate effectively in different cultural settings. Our international exchange, study abroad and volunteer programs are supported by research-based intercultural learning journeys facilitated by trained AFS volunteers and staff.

AFS Exchange and Study Abroad Programs 

From High School Study Abroad, Language Learning, Volunteer Abroad, Gap Year Opportunities, Adult Study Abroad, Internships Abroad, Teacher Exchanges and Summer/ Short-term Study Abroad we are a pioneer on Intercultural Education.

Host Family Programs 

Hosting an AFS student is a rewarding and meaningful intercultural learning adventure for the entire family—sharing cultures, traditions and gaining new perspectives.

Volunteer Opportunities 

AFS local volunteers are the driving force of AFS programs and active at all levels—supporting students and families through their AFS intercultural journeys, participating in governance and policy development and leading social impact projects with local schools and communities.

Intercultural Learning and Global Citizenship Education 

We help people of all ages and backgrounds develop leadership, problem-solving, language and intercultural skills needed to succeed in a global economy and make a positive difference in the world.

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What we believe in

By linking our “learning to live together” philosophy to the defining global issues facing humanity, AFS fosters intercultural understanding as a powerful and productive tool for building a more just and peaceful world. The AFS global community embraces differences and believes our world is stronger and more interesting because of them.

AFS Mission 

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

AFS Values 

AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledge that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.

How we make a difference

Living, studying and volunteering across borders and in multicultural communities transforms lives, prepares global citizens and empowers changemakers. That’s what we call “The AFSEffect!” Our global community is:
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Transformative: At different stages on amazing intercultural journeys—living, volunteering, working and collaborating with people around the world.

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Multigenerational: A global community of students, young adults, volunteers, families, educators, alumni, and staff engaged and energized working together.

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Inclusive: A welcoming, supportive network of confident, open-minded AFSers building bridges across cultures.

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Everywhere: Making a difference in communities, across industries and at the forefront of important international issues and social causes.  

Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya

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Broader Reach - Deeper Impact

Bina Antarbudaya, The Indonesian Foundation for Intercultural Learning, was founded in Indonesia on May 2nd, 1985 by Taufiq Ismail, Tanri Abeng, Irid Agoes, Kartono Mohamad and Sophie Gunawan Satarie.

Bina Antarbudaya is a partner of AFS Intercultural Program in Indonesia, where headquartered located in New York City, USA and has partners in 60 countries around the world.

Bina Antarbudaya is a volunteer, non-profit, non-governmental organization that organized intercultural learning and provides opportunities for Indonesian students to develop science, global experience and skills as future leaders.

Bina Antarbudaya has 20 chapters spread throughout Indonesia; Ambon, Balikpapan, Banda Aceh, Bandung, Banjarmasin, Bogor, Denpasar, Jakarta, Karawang, Makassar, Malang, Mataram, Medan, Padang, Palembang, Pontianak, Samarinda, Semarang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

Bina Antarbudaya is not affiliated with any religion, race, tribe, socio-economic group and any political party. Bina Antarbudaya as non profit organization, with more than 50 years of intercultural learning has sent 3,000 students to various countries and has received more than 1,500 foreign students to live and study in Indonesia.