AFS International Youth Development

General Info

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 will turn diversity into an asset instead of a source of conflict. It is our belief that people change the world by taking responsibility in their local community aided by a wider global perspective.” AFS Vision

The AFS experience is about growth and experiences that will continue for a lifetime. Many returnees choose to further develop their intercultural competence by volunteering for AFS.

AFS could not exist without the tens of thousands of volunteers and a small staff operating worldwide. AFS Volunteers are young and old, men and women, busy professionals and retirees, students and teachers.

While helping others, AFS volunteers also experience the value of intercultural communication, develop and practice language, leadership and professional skills and participate actively in community activities. AFS provides life-long development and training opportunities for volunteers.