AFS Intercultural Programs is a worldwide nonprofit organization that has been leading high school student exchange for more than 55 years.  With tens of thousands of volunteers worldwide, AFS is the leading international exchange program in the world.

AFS is one of the world's largest not-for-profit volunteer based organizations. It offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries through local AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board. AFS International provides worldwide leadership, coordination, support, quality control and development of AFS organizations and programs.

AFS History

During the World Wars I and II American Field Service volunteer ambulance assisted wounded soldiers on the battlefields. In 1946 the ambulance drivers decided to engage in international student exchange as a way to promote cross cultural understanding. Since that time more than 350,000 students and adults have been exchanged. See more about AFS History on this interactive timeline on AFS International's website.

AFS Statement of Purpose

AFS 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.

Core Values and Attributes of AFS

AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges 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.