Increasingly, universities and employers seek students and young adults who have a sense of the world beyond their own communities—and are comfortable interacting with people from other countries and cultures. Businesses, government, education providers and other organisations need people who have international experiences and insights, as well as critical skills required to tackle the defining global challenges of the 21st century. That’s why all of our AFS study abroad programmes are designed around building global competency.

It’s a pretty special feeling to be able to converse in an entirely different language, and to see my grasp of the language improve from very basic sentences and words, to the ability to have full in-depth conversations as I’ve progressed. I’ve also made some great friends over here, and had some amazing new experiences that never would have been possible had I forgone this opportunity. I really can’t express how valuable that is, the vast range of things I’ve done, seen, or tried, things that, to me, are different in ways I never conceived of.

— Callum, exchange student from New Zealand to Uruguay