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…
News & Blog
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…
Bowing, Beeping, & Being Open-Minded: Talie’s Life-Changing Semester in China
Introduction: From New Zealand to China Hi there! My name is Talie. In January 2024, I decided to become an…
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…
From Exchange Student to Volunteer: Callan’s Story
During this National Volunteer Week (15-21 June 2025), we’re celebrating all our wonderful AFS volunteers. On today’s blog, our young…
Manawa in Greece
Why Greece? Sun, History and the Unexpected My name is Manawa. Last year, I went on an exchange to Greece…
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…
Beyond the Brochure: A Scrapbook of the AFS Team’s Exchange Experiences
As it turns out, all of our current AFS staff, and most board members, are either AFS exchange returnees or…
Loving Life in Boliva
Lucy, a recipient of an AFS scholarship, updates us on her time abroad in Bolivia so far: Introduction: My Adventure…
How Going Abroad Can Uplift Your Career: The Lasting Benefits of an AFS Student Exchange
Going on a student exchange is an adventure into cultural immersion, learning a language, fostering unique friendships, boosting confidence and…
Abroad in Poland: Where Jandals Don’t Cut It
Luke, recipient of an AFS scholarship, reflects on his time abroad in Poland so far: Introduction: The Start of My Exchange…
An exchange in Auckland: Helen, Germany
Kia ora, hallo! My name is Helen, I come from Germany, and I have been an AFS student in Auckland…
Returnee Reflections: Jade, France
Hi! My name is Jade and I went on an AFS exchange to France for a semester from January 2024…
Returnee Reflections: Thomas, USA
Nearly four months on from my exchange year to the U.S I still think about it every day. I don’t…
Te Ao Māori: from Germany to Gisborne with Milla
Kia ora! My name is Milla, I am 17 and I am from Germany. For the past five months of…