A Different AFS Experience: Lucas’ Time at a Uniquely Danish Efterskole (Boarding School)
A Danish Efterskole is a school like no other! Danes say that one Efterskole year is equal to 7 regular…
Author: lindarotaeche
AFS Youth Assembly 2025: One Global Event, Two Unique NZ Volunteer Experiences
In August 2025, more than 500 rangatahi from over 80 countries gathered in New York. Under the banner of ‘Defying…
Discovering Ourselves
Written by Rachel Lilburn: The world has changed a lot since the first AFS student exchanges in 1947. It’s changed…
Language is the Key: Isabella’s Brazil Update
“I think one of my favourite parts of exchange for me is the language. I never believed that I could…
A Lasting Legacy: An Ambulance for Hato Hone St John
AFS NZ Life Member and Arthur Helm Gold Award Winner Gordon Prowse of Timaru recently presented a hugely generous gift…
Going on an Exchange Isn’t Easy, So Why Do People Do It?
“Going on an exchange isn’t easy,” says Ashley (AFS student in France), “and most people know that.” Leaving behind family,…
Host Family Memories: We have gained as much as we have given!
In Memory of Sybil and Gordon Jenkins and Their Wonderful Global Family Sybil (Mum) recently passed away and AFS NZ…
Volunteering at Different Stages of Life
During this National Volunteer Week (15-21 June 2025), we’re celebrating all our wonderful AFS volunteers. On today’s blog, we look…
Kiwi Culture Experience
Five students from India immersed themselves in Kiwi Culture during our three-week short programme in April/May. They travelled through parts…
Hosted Student Update: Lea from Switzerland
My Exchange year in New Zealand When we landed in New Zealand at 3 a.m. after a 22-hour flight, the…