When it comes to exploring the world, choosing the right student exchange programme means looking for a balance of adventure, safety, and life-changing support. There are plenty of ways to see the world, but here is why so many Kiwis find their perfect fit with AFS:
A Global Network of Countries to Choose from
When you go on exchange with AFS, you’re tapping into a global network spanning over 50 countries developed over our longstanding history. We generally operate on a sending ‘AFS to AFS’ model, meaning the same organisation supporting you here in New Zealand is welcoming you on the other side. With AFS staff, volunteers, and safety protocols standard overseas, you get a consistent circle of care from start to finish.,
Unique Programme Offerings
As well as the range of countries to choose from, AFS has various programme structures. From 4 weeks to a year, students can choose to go on ‘traditional’ student exchange experiences, or opt for something different, like staying in an Efterskole, a Danish boarding school (read more about this experience here!). Particular programmes in Europe have the PEACE (Peace through Exchange and Active Citizenship Education) camp attached to a Trimester programme, where students travel to Belgium for a five-day long camp with a focus on Active Global Citizenship at the end of their exchange.
AFS NZ also runs virtual exchange programmes and even a teacher exchange programme!
Built-in, Personal Support
Our in-person orientations, which are not added ‘extra’ onto an exchange, are an essential part of an AFS exchange programme. As an educational institution, AFS relies on research and continual organisational learning, and this research helps AFS best prepares students about to go on an AFS student exchange. Attendees meet new friends, eat great food and do activities that prepare them for their journey overseas during these in-person orientation camps. There are also orientation camps for when students return home, to help the re-adjustment process. Our Orientation Camps are a core pillar of our programmes, providing a safe space for students to build confidence and community. You can take a sneak peek into our orientations here:
Our team includes dedicated support and visa specialists, many of whom have personal experience with student exchange. As AFS staff and volunteers, this lived experience allows us to truly understand and support our students. Learn more about how we keep our students safe.
Diverse Range of Scholarships
A practical reason to choose AFS New Zealand for your high school exchange are our unparalleled scholarship offerings, backed by the AFS Educational Trust. Unlike one-size-fits-all funding, AFS NZ offers diverse financial support tailored to our community, including heritage grants to help students reconnect with their roots, geographic funding sponsored by local alumni, and corporate partnerships.
Educational and Professional Development Opportunities
AFS is a global institution. Currently, the network is made up of over 50 independent, not-for-profit organisations representing individual countries or regions. This means that, as well as being able to offer students unique destinations around the world, the network is truly powerful to tap into for long term personal and professional development.
As an educational organisation, continual learning is deeply embedded in our exchanges through the student learning journey, carefully designed curriculum about intercultural learning and social innovation. This unique approach prepares students for their intercultural experience and supports them while on exchange, providing guided reflection to help students process their everyday experiences in a new cultural environment and learn from situations when differences challenge them.
AFS International, the parent company of AFS NZ, runs the The AFS Youth Assembly. This global platform, that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers, was developed in partnership with the United Nations, highlighting just how large and impactful the AFS network truly is, offering participants an incredible launchpad for the future.
Our network is constantly driving world-class professional development through intercultural education opportunities. For instance, programmes like the Global STEM Changemakers and the Global Young Leaders Fellowship Programme, a collaboration between AFS NZ, AFS China, and the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange are helping young leaders build the skills they need to change the world.
Choosing the right exchange programme is a huge milestone! With it’s vast “AFS to AFS” global model, safety frameworks, education systems, structured orientation camps, unique scholarship pathways and truly global footprint, AFS New Zealand prides itself on being the ultimate springboard for young Kiwis to immerse themselves in another culture an create connections that last a lifetime.