AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.
We believe that today‟s youth – and tomorrow‟s leaders – are among the best “bridge builders” between nations.
Currently, there are more than 36,000 active volunteers worldwide in various roles including board leadership, program operations, participant support and marketing. The volunteer body is generally comprised of program alumni, and their families, former host families and teachers. Volunteers keep the wheels of AFS running.
Every year AFS provides thousands of high school age (15–17.5 year old) students from all over the world with opportunities to live in another country for an academic year. They learn to appreciate other ways of doing things and begin to break down the barriers between cultures and people. The personal growth and learning for both students and their families is profound and sustained. The families gain extended life-long relationships.
Program Benefits
1. A strong connection to and involvement with the people and way of life of your host country.
2. New relationships that will change your outlook in profound ways.
3. A passion for understanding different cultures in addition to the one you visit.
4. The ability to understand and to express yourself in another language, often fluently.
5. A lifelong interest in and concern for the other countries and international issues.
6. A greater flexibility when dealing with other people and situations.
Program Details -
Intercultural Programs India
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 was created in 1914 and has been doing intercultural programs since 1947, currently present in more than 54 countries with over 13,000 exchanges per year.
The essence of any AFS program is 'Stay and Study' in a different cultural setting. Participants live with a host family experiencing home and family life that is in many ways different to their own culture and routine.
The benefits of this intercultural experience are manifold. The participant, the host family, host school, and the community get an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
AFS believes that we must build bridges of understanding and mutual respect between countries and cultures around the world. We further believe that today's youth —and tomorrow's leaders —are among the best "bridge builders" between nations.
AFS Intercultural Programs India looks forward to strengthening its presence amongst its stakeholders by undertaking local/national initiatives. The programs aims to bring together anyone and everyone who works in international setting, lives or travels abroad, faces issues of diversity in their personal/professional life, or simply seeks to grow through intercultural experiences, an official AFS Intercultural Programs India extravaganza with an array of activities.
Target Audience —AFS Intercultural Programs India stakeholders —Students, Volunteers, Educational Institutions/Boards, Dignitaries, Corporate, Government Officials and Education &Cultural Exchange industry representatives.
Intercultural Education —AFS has always stressed on the need for advocating Intercultural Learning amongst its stakeholder — the need to develop cultural competencies to help individuals adapt in culturally varied setups. Imparting relevant education through workshop, seminars, talks etc. via such a platform could help us brand ourselves amongst a wider audience.
The motive of AFS programs is to develop effectiveness for those working in international environments, encourage cultural and personal self-understanding, and show how to deepen the learning experiences that come from travel and life abroad, an informal yet social extravaganza with an intercultural theme.
