AFS-USA, Inc.

AFS-USA was founded in 1947 by former members of the American Field Service, a volunteer ambulance driver corps during World Wars I and II. After the wars ended, they felt that the best way to ensure future peace among nations was to educate a generation of world leaders through international student exchange. Since its inception, more than 500,000 students have participated in AFS programs worldwide. AFS Partner Offices are established, national organizations recognized and supported by governmental and educational institutions abroad. 

In 2025, AFS-USA was able to welcome international students to the U.S. and send Americans abroad on summer, semester and year programs while celebrating its 78thAnniversary of running student exchange programs and creating global citizens. 

AFS programs continue to foster global competency among participants by providing intercultural learning experiences. By immersing themselves in unfamiliar cultures, participants can gain perspective, self-confidence, and independence. These life-changing experiences reflect AFS-USA’s mission: AFS-USA empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a better world for everyone.

AFS also offers an educational path to complement the exchange experience through the AFS Student Learning Journey featuring online orientation content and webinars that encourage participants to become active global citizens.

AFS-USA is committed to making its programs available to all qualified applicants regardless of their financial ability, awarding a significant number of scholarships annually, including fully funded scholarship programs through the U.S. Department of State. Through AFS-USA Global Citizen Scholarships and Aid, AFS-USA makes studying abroad available to even more high school students from across the United States.  

Participation fee ranges are listed on the AFS-USA website www.afsusa.org and typically include: round-trip international travel to and from the host community; placement with a carefully selected host family who provides room and board; orientations; local in-country support and 24-hour emergency assistance; secondary medical coverage; visa information; and, a tuition waiver for academic programs. 

Academic Year and Semester Programs – U.S. Hosting —International students ages 15 to 18.5 travel to the United States, attend school for ten months or one semester to live with a U.S. host family. AFS students are carefully screened and interviewed by AFS partners around the world. Acceptance is based on academic motivation, adaptability, maturity, attitude, and language skills. Trained and experienced AFS volunteers provide local support for students, host families, and schools through the duration of the exchange.

Summer, Semester, and Academic Year Programs Abroad – AFS-USA’s immersive offerings include summer, semester pr, and year programs in more than 40 countries for U.S. high school students and recent graduates. Students have the opportunity to develop and strengthen language skills, intercultural learning, and build lifelong relationships by living with host families and attending high schools in other countries. AFS-USA has a rolling admissions policy, and students are encouraged to apply early for scholarship consideration.