AFS in Africa Center

AFS has more than 75 years of experience of running high school exchange programs around the world. Teens can study at a high school in a new country, make new friends, learn a new language, live with a host family, and become an active global citizen. At the same time, AFS host families experience world culture at home, see their kids thrive, and grow together as global citizens. These programs are supported by volunteers and are all about personal growth, cultural exploration, active global citizenship and belonging.

High School Exchange Programs are available in the following countries where AFS is present (see the list below). If you are not from one of these countries, please check with the closest AFS office to you if you can apply for the program.

The AFS Global STEM Changemakers Initiative is a unique opportunity for young scholars to develop a greater and more personal understanding of the importance of STEM skills and global competence in helping to advance a sustainable future, while exploring real-world examples of sustainability in their communities and the world. AFS Global STEM Changemaker programs offer in-person and virtual learning experiences in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy. bp, a global energy company, will provide funding to support 5,000 scholarships over five years, across a portfolio of different programs included in this Initiative.

High-impact, educational, fun and truly global virtual exchanges, AFS Global You programs are based on decades of expertise in the field, and designed to build the personal and professional changemaker mindset and skills. These programs enable teens to explore the world from home, make new friends and experience new cultures, helping them become part of a global community. The programs also teach about social innovation and provide tools to create a social impact project and become a Global Changemaker.

The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. The AFS Youth Assembly brings together the world’s foremost young leaders and changemakers. The AFS Youth Assembly delegates, aged 18 to 35, come from over 100 countries and possess strong leadership potential as well as keen interest in global issues. Virtual and in-person events supported with some scholarships are available.

The AFS Global Up programs use a research-backed, award-winning curriculum combining learning at your own pace and facilitated group dialogue sessions that support learning and reflection throughout this program. This suite of virtual programs is designed to meet the needs of students, staff or faculty, professionals across a variety of disciplines from around the world, empowering them with essential skills to live, work, and make a positive social impact in diverse settings. Graduates of this program earn the AFS Global Competence Certificate.

By engaging with AFS, schools and educators get the tools and support they need to integrate intercultural learning and global citizenship education into their classrooms. Through our programs, including full-scholarship virtual exchanges for educators, an educator toolkit packed with classroom activities, and a variety of professional development resources like newsletters, podcasts, and webinars, we support educators in exploring key concepts and principles of global citizenship education (including the UN SDGs), and how to foster it with their students.

The world needs more Active Global Citizens: AFS helps to create them.

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.