What makes AFS stand out from other international exchange programs are our truly authentic and immersive study abroad programs. AFS-USA operated within a large network of autonomous partners all operating under the same principles and standards. This offers a level of standardization throughout the programs, while also allowing a true intercultural experience as the program is run locally.
The best place to go for the most updated information on our AFS study abroad programs is the AFS-USA Study Abroad webpage.
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-person or Virtual 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 9 summer programs available to our U.S students. These programs are generally between 2-8 weeks in length, and the educational and cultural focus varies on country and program. Some programs highlight language learning, others on the homestay (living with a host family) experience, some of the programs are dorm-based without a host family component, and others focus on cultural immersion. Programs that are two weeks have are called our Global Prep programs and these programs are unique because they travel with an AFS-USA representative for the duration of the program.
Program Requirements:
- In-person or Virtual interview
- Orientations
- Each country and/or program may also have specific requirements. This information can be found on the AFS-USA website.
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: