There are many reasons to go with AFS. One is the fantastic experience our returnees talk about. Some of the others are listed below:

Top 10 Reasons to go with AFS

  • Huge range of scholarships available. AFS is supported by many Australian and International organisations, alumni and individuals, dedicated to our practical peace initiative.
  • Benefit from our 60 years of international exchange experience.
  • Join a global community. We offer more than 140 programs in over 50 countries. You can’t beat our range and quality.
  • 24/7 emergency telephone assistance and ongoing support before, during and after your program.
  • We have a staffed office as well as a network of volunteers in each participating country. Staff and volunteers are trained in counselling and crisis support.
  • Build life-long international relationships across the globe!
  • Learn a new language – or improve your skills in one you already know.
  • Become an International Ambassador
  • Explore the real world and become part of a new family. Sharing daily life in a community makes all the difference when you’re learning a new language and discovering a new culture.
  • Discover the real you. You’ll learn things about yourself that you never expected.

Safety and support

Our track record for safety and support is second-to-none in the international student exchange industry. The safety and well-being of students while they are on an AFS exchange is our paramount concern.

We have a large network of people on the ground in every host country to provide 24-hour support for all our students and families. We also have proven risk management and emergency procedures in place.

We advise our participants to be even more cautious than at home. For their safety, AFS might restrict independent travelling and will enforce country-specific and global AFS rules that every participant has to abide by:

  • No illegal drugs
  • No driving
  • No hitchhiking
  • Regular school attendance
  • Abide by the laws of your host country

Unfortunately, unforeseen events can and do occur. During our 60 years of operation, however, we have handled some difficult and serious medical, personal and political situations with successful results.

Pricing guarantee

AFS guarantees that the price you are quoted at the time your exchange is confirmed will not change. Other student exchange providers will increase your participation fee in response to exchange rate fluctuations but with AFS "what we say is what you pay".

More scholarships than any other organisation

We believe every student who wants to go on an AFS exchange should have the opportunity to do so. Each year approximately one-in-four AFS Year Programme exchange students receive financial assistance. Plenty of AFS students also fund raise their own way overseas and received community funding. Scholarships

Quality

AFS is renowned for the quality of experience students enjoy. We also conduct regular market research to explore new ways of enhancing the AFS experience beyond the already high levels of customer satisfaction.

Peace of mind

AFS has a large network of people on the ground in every host country to provide 24-hour support for all our students and families, and proven risk management and emergency procedures. We believe these are of paramount importance when operating in the market of student exchange.

Experience

We have operated continuously in Australia for 60 years and have built up superior industry knowledge. Over 10,000 Australians have studied abroad through AFS and more than 10,000 AFS students have also been hosted in Australia since 1952.

Reputation

AFS has been contracted to deliver the Ministry of Education Language Immersion Award programme. Globally we are the only student exchange organisation to have received a special citation from the United Nations for services to the youth of the world.

Scale of operation

Globally more than 12,000 AFS participants study abroad each year. Over 300,000 students have participated on an AFS exchange and AFS utilises a network of more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide.

Ethos

AFS is a not-for-profit, volunteer based organisation with the vision of creating a more just and peaceful world through intercultural understanding. Our mission is 'peace through friendship and cultural understanding'. We do not operate to obtain commercial gain from students.

An AFS exchange doesn't only impact your world

Part of the AFS exchange is to promote intercultural understanding, tolerance and forge international networks of friendship. These networks often last for years - and they work in both directions. By making yourself a part of another society, you bring into that society your own experience, values and culture. You ultimately impact other peoples decisions and shape their impressions of you and your country. You are a diplomat. On a mission. Which will be yours? What good can you embody?

AFS returnees go far in life, and are comfortable anywhere with anyone

  • 77% of AFS Alumni speak more than one language
  • 34% also studied abroad as college or university students
  • 90% are college graduates or higher
  • 52% are M.A. or higher
  • 39% said it was very desirable to live in a diverse neighbourhood
  • 26% had partners from other cultures
  • 25% had hosted an exchange student at least once

Every experience with AFS is priceless

Every exchange is different. Every participant is different. And not every experience is just fun and party. However, when a participant decides to take his life in his own hands, he will be rewarded with life-changing experiences and personal development beyond comparison. Testimonials