Study Year Abroad
Explore a planet full of possibilities
Be a part of the #AFSeffect by joining the inclusive educational community of global citizens: students, families and volunteers determined to build bridges between cultures.
What is AFS Intercultural Programs?
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.
AFS began as ‘American Field Service’ in WWI & II when nearly 5,000 young men from all over the world volunteered as ambulance drivers. These young men who had seen the horrors of war pledged to promote peace and global understanding through intercultural exchanges. AFS has been doing intercultural programs since 1947.
AFS Intercultural Programs India
In India, AFS was present in 1960s. However, due to political reasons, it ceased its operations. In 2005, AFS India restarted and registered itself under section 25 of Companies Act, 1956 and since then has been growing in terms of its visibility, its offerings, and diversity of programs across the country. With a pool of 750 plus volunteers, AFS has its foothold in 50+ cities of India. In its 18 years of existence, AFS India has hosted more than 1400+ students from Belgium, France, Japan, Norway, Austria etc. and sent around 2000+ students on its programs to countries such as Italy, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland etc. and has been able to build its association with 250 plus school pan India.
Become an AFSer!
Become global
Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy different traditions. Take time to appreciate, value and deepen your insights about other perspectives, cultures, religions and important world issues.
Criteria
Become change
Open your mind to a new way to view the world and help others see the world the way you experience it. Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
Become fluent
Go to a new school, learn a new language and find ways to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds–skills that you’ll take back home and use for a lifetime.
-Be between the ages of 15-17.6 years by the start of program -Be motivated to show leadership & adaptability skills to be part of AFS program
Program Fees
Become yourself
Discover new things about yourself and your place in the world. Learn how to turn challenging situations into valuable opportunities to grow and become more mature.
Program fee depends on the AFS country you would like to go. Generally, an academic year’s program fee starts from 9.5 lakhs. AFS India may offer partial scholarships.*
An amazing cultural journey for the entire family
Hosting an international student in your home is a great way to learn about a new culture while sharing your own culture and values. Children often enjoy being cultural ambassadors, introducing their host brother or sister to local customs, traditions and national holidays. Everything from preparing meals to sightseeing are opportunities to discover and appreciate cultural and other differences. We call this the #AFSeffect!
Welcome adventure
Experience your world through the eyes of a young person from another country
Welcome change
Prepare your family to become global citizens—ready to connect with people from around the world
Welcome discovery
Help an international student learn how to live in and enjoy your culture and traditions
How does AFS support host families?
Experienced local AFS volunteers and staff will prepare your family for the challenges of welcoming a new member from another country.
24 hour local emergency contact and additional support from the AFS national office is available. AFS students have medical insurance, if health care is necessary.
Trained volunteers and staff will support you throughout your hosting program, including meeting with you and your family at least once a month to make sure everything is working out.
Your support volunteers will guide your family and student through the AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey activities to help make the entire experience more meaningful and lasting.
With AFS, I have learned that there is no good or bad experience, they are just different. We learned a lot by being with our host son from France. We used to talk a lot on various topics whenever we had time. It helped us understand each others perspective, and I believe that was one of the important gain from AFS program.
— Host Family hosting student from France
AFS has not only helped me learn about different cultures but it has also made me learn about and brought close to my own culture which no other organisation would have been able to do so effectively.
