Heartland Partner School Resources

Heartland NZ is a special partnership programme for schools in Aotearoa’s heartland. Located mainly outside the main centres, Heartland Partner Schools do not run large international programmes.
Through their partnership with AFS, Heartland Schools can offer their students and school community a variety of intercultural and international learning opportunities.

This page is a place to access important information, such as special promotions, programmes, host student profiles, scholarship opportunities and events coming up for our Heartland Partner Schools.

Welcoming exchange students to your school brings great energy, diversity and intercultural learning opportunities.
As an AFS Heartland Partner School you will reap all the benefits international students bring to your school community without the need to operate your own international department.

Exclusive Heartland family support

Host families from your school community will receive financial support of $200/week while hosting an AFS Heartland student.

We need your help

As a Heartland Partner School, we ask that you support us with the host family recruitment in your school community:
– Advertise in your school newsletter
– Promote hosting an AFS student through your social media
– Present hosting opportunities to students at assemblies
– Encourage your teachers, support staff and Board members to consider hosting

We have resources to help you. Please get in touch!
[email protected]

Students looking for a host family

More info & Contact

Fully-Funded Educator Exchange

Teacher Scholarship: 6-Week Programme to India

Duration
31st October – 12th December 2026
Destination
Emerald Heights International School in Indore
School Experience
NZ teachers will be paired with local colleagues in their subject area to be a part of daily school life.
Activities & Excursions
Outside of school, cultural activities will be organised by AFS India volunteers, incl. Diwali Festival on 6 November

Printable Brochure

Find Out More

Global Up Digital Global Competence Programmes

AFS Global Up programmes are 4-week digital programmes, combining self-paced online learning modules with facilitated live sessions. Participants develop intercultural understanding and tangible global skills and can earn the internationally recognised AFS Global Competence Certificate.

In 2026, we are offering our Heartland Partner Schools 5 FREE SPOTS across our Global Up cohorts.

Global Up Educator: 2 – 27 March 2026 (live sessions one night per week)
Global Up Teen: 20 April – 17 May 2026 (live sessions weekly on Sundays)
Global Up Teen: 20 July – 16 August 2026 (live sessions weekly on Sundays) Printable Brochure

Website Images with Bottom Colour Gradient Narrower

AFS Aotearoa Scholarships | Ngā Karahipi Kaitiaki o Te Ao

Intercultural exchange programmes should be accessible for all students in Aotearoa New Zealand. With support from the AFS Educational Trust, AFS New Zealand provides a range of grants and scholarships for students from all corners of Aotearoa.

Flyer for Students

$436,450 awarded in Scholarships since 2023, find out more...

Encourage your students to join an Info Zoom Session

These webinars are perfect for anyone interested in an AFS study abroad programme and its life-changing opportunities. Hear from experienced AFS NZ staff, ask questions, and learn about the benefits of cultural exchange. Discover how studying abroad with AFS broadens horizons and builds meaningful global connections.

Learn about the application process and how AFS works.

Enquire now

AFS is a Peace Organisation

AFS Intercultural Programmes is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a more just and peaceful world through intercultural education and exchange. For over 75 years, we have provided transformative experiences that empower young people to develop essential global competencies, including intercultural understanding, empathy and critical thinking.

By becoming active, engaged global citizens through deep personal connections across cultures, AFSers break down barriers and stereotypes and cultivate a profound sense of shared humanity.
Through its programmes, AFS directly contributes to peace by nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Your Contacts

Andrea Bevan, Programmes Manager

(for hosting and sending student scholarship applications)
[email protected], 021 796 494

Linda Rotaeche, Marketing Manager

(for digital programmes and in-person presentations)
[email protected], 021 207 3466