What makes AFS stand out from other international exchange programs is our selection of program offerings. AFS offers one of the widest selections of programs and countries in the study abroad industry.
The best place to go for the most updated information on our AFS sending programs is the AFS-USA website at www.afsusa.org
Academic Year and Semester
There are currently over 40 year and semester programs available to our U.S students. These programs focus on academics, language and cultural immersion. Participants on these programs live with host families and attend school.
Program Requirements:
- In-home or in-person interview
- Orientations
- Each country and program may also have specific academic, language, or age requirements. This information can be found on the AFS-USA website
Summer Programs
There are currently over 20 summer programs available to our U.S students. These programs are generally anywhere between 4-8 weeks in length. These programs tend to have a focus either on language, homestay (living with a host family), community service, or culture.
Program Requirements:
- Interview
- Orientations
- Each country and/or program may also have specific requirements. This information can be found on the AFS-USA website
Global Prep
There are currently 19 Global Prep programs available to our U.S students. These programs are 2-3 weeks in length. Students travel in a group and have a specific educational focus. The educational and cultural focus varies on country and program.
Program Requirements:
- Students must be between 13-18 years of age
Sponsored Programs

AFS implements three scholarship programs of the U.S. Department of State. Please find an overview of each program and a link to the program websites, where you can learn about eligibility, application timelines, and more, on the AFS-USA website: