Volunteers are encouraged to reach out to students in their communities and networks to identify potential AFSers. Below are some resources and ideas for finding students:
Sending Fact Sheets:
School Presentation:
Videos:
Global Prep 2017 Promo Video or watch on YouTube
Been There Done That Teaser or watch on YouTube
AFS Students Reflect on Their Experience or watch on YouTube
Do You Speak AFS? - Argentina or watch on YouTube
Become an Exchange Student - Germany Year or watch on YouTube
Farewell - Hong Kong Year or watch on YouTube
AFS Exchange Students are...The Ambassadors or watch on YouTube
AFS Culture Trek (480p / 720p / 1080p) or watch on YouTube
Web and Print Ads: to request an ad, please email marketing@afsusa.org
Fairs, Informational Events, and Open Houses
Do online research or contact your local high school or college to find out what types of fairs they will have and how you can secure a table. Additionally, meeting with students in the evening or on weekends also allows you to reach their parents. With advance planning, good publicity, and good follow-up, these events are a good way to recruit.
Share Scholarship Opportunities with Schools
Make sure school counselors and teachers are aware of our scholarship programs and announce our Sending Programs in school announcements and newsletters. Private schools may not want to encourage students to miss an academic year or semester but may help promote our summer, global prep, or gap year programs.
Post AFS Sending Promotions on Social Media
Even if you aren't Facebook friends with teenagers, or don't post daily on Instagram, you can reach many people in your networks through these platforms. Posting the latest scholarship opportunities and discounts is a great way to promote AFS. For example posts and up to date links, view this article on Social Media.
Mini-Promotions
Think of the different groups in your community that would be interested in specific AFS programs, and plan ways to reach them. (For example, the German American Society's local branch might be very interested in our scholarships for students going to Germany.) After you’ve introduced your new group to AFS, keep exposing them to the AFS community, and publicly congratulate the applicants who have been accepted. Be sure to keep notes of your contacts and activities so next year the planning will be even easier!
Host Siblings
Be sure that all of your host families with kids are aware of our study abroad programs! Host brothers and sisters already have a taste of AFS that will help them be successful AFSers overseas.