Who We Are
AFS-USA (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in
intercultural learning and offers exchange programs in more than 40 countries
around the world.
Our mission is to work toward a more just and peaceful world
by providing intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families,
schools, and communities worldwide.
What We Need
$10,000 to help 5 U.S. high school students achieve their dreams of
studying abroad.
Often, a $2,000 scholarship is all it takes to make studying
abroad a reality for a deserving teen. It can mean the difference between a
student staying home or taking part in a transformative experience that will
help him or her become a global citizen – a culturally savvy young adult prepared
to tackle 21st century challenges with maturity, empathy and an open
mind.
“That’s how the world works…you take some, and
then you give some”
Your donation not only gives a student like Dakin the gift
of an open mind, lifelong friendships and bright prospects, but it also help
perpetuate global citizenship development.
Upon receiving the gift of a scholarship, students give
the gift of empathy and global awareness to all those they come in contact with
abroad. Many also go on to support future students in pursuing study abroad
opportunities.
Contribution Karma (A.K.A. Perks)
In short, your gift helps inspire young people to make the
world a better, more peaceful place. What does that mean for you? Good
Karma, of course! And perhaps a little something extra…
| $25: AFS Mad Lib |
$100: AFS Luggage Tag |
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| $250: AFS Tote Bag |
$500: AFS "Kaffe" Mug |
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| $1,000: "InterCOOLtural" T-Shirt |
$2,000: AFS "Peace" Sweatshirt |
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About our Students
AFS-USA scholarship recipients are:
- Ages 14 - 18 years old
- From both urban and rural communities
- Chosen based on their commitment to community service and potential for leadership
Many AFS-USA study abroad participants go on to cultivate successful careers in internationally-relevant fields. All acquire global competency and 21st century skills to help them thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.
About Our Programs
The Impact of Study Abroad
AFS participant-based studies, as well as independent research, have confirmed the many tangible and long-term benefits of studying abroad:
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AFS Study Abroad Programs
The average cost of an AFS-USA High School Year Program is $14,950. This includes:
Professional guidance and support throughout the process, from application through the completion of the program; Placement with a carefully selected volunteer host family and in a host school or community service organization; Round-trip international travel with your AFS Group between the international departure city in the US to the host country; Orientations prior to departure and after arrival on program; Comprehensive secondary medical insurance; Visa support and application assistance; Access to a support network of AFS Professional Staff in the US and in the host country, as well as thousands of trained volunteers worldwide; 24 hour emergency assistance.
Learn more about what tuition covers.
The AFS History
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A Legacy of Volunteerism
AFS Intercultural Programs was founded in 1947 by members of the American Field Service, a volunteer ambulance driver corps in WWI and WWII. American Field Service drivers paid their own way overseas, bought their own uniforms, and risked their lives to help transport hundreds of thousands of wounded soldier to safety from both sides of the battlefields.
Leaders in Global Education
When the wars ended, the corps decided that its new charge should be to prevent future conflicts by promoting understanding among nations. They established AFS Intercultural Programs to help facilitate cross-cultural student exchanges that would enhance empathy and build cultural awareness worldwide. Today, AFS has a presence in more than 50 countries and facilitates exchanges between more than 90 countries. AFS-USA, the network's largest partner, annually sends nearly 1,000 students abroad and hosts more than 2,000 foreign exchange students in communities across the U.S.
In 2014 and 2015, we are celebrating the Centennial of the American Field Service and the spirit of volunteerism that lives on in AFS today. Thank you for your support as we head into the next 100 years!
