Introduction: From New Zealand to China Hi there! My name is Talie. In January 2024, I decided to become an AFS exchange student. I am now an AFS returnee from…
“Going on an exchange isn’t easy,” says Ashley (AFS student in France), “and most people know that.” Leaving behind family, friends and the comfort of your everyday routine to start…
In Memory of Sybil and Gordon Jenkins and Their Wonderful Global Family Sybil (Mum) recently passed away and AFS NZ discovered this through a current hosting family in Levin reading…
During this National Volunteer Week (15-21 June 2025), we’re celebrating all our wonderful AFS volunteers. On today’s blog, we look at Ken’s story, who has been an AFS volunteer for…
During this National Volunteer Week (15-21 June 2025), we’re celebrating all our wonderful AFS volunteers. On today’s blog, our young volunteer Callan shares his story – why he volunteers, the…
Why Greece? Sun, History and the Unexpected My name is Manawa. Last year, I went on an exchange to Greece for three months. The reason I went on an exchange…
Five students from India immersed themselves in Kiwi Culture during our three-week short programme in April/May. They travelled through parts of the North Island as a group and also spent…
As it turns out, all of our current AFS staff, and most board members, are either AFS exchange returnees or expats. This shared life experience sparked curiosity, leading us to…
Lucy, a recipient of an AFS scholarship, updates us on her time abroad in Bolivia so far: Introduction: My Adventure Begins in Bolivia When I first got here, I was…
Going on a student exchange is an adventure into cultural immersion, learning a language, fostering unique friendships, boosting confidence and becoming independent. While many students choose to go on an…
Luke, recipient of an AFS scholarship, reflects on his time abroad in Poland so far: Introduction: The Start of My Exchange in Poland It’s hard to believe that six months have…
Kia ora, hallo! My name is Helen, I come from Germany, and I have been an AFS student in Auckland for the past five months during my exchange to New…
Hi! My name is Jade and I went on an AFS exchange to France for a semester from January 2024 to June 2024. What made you want to go on…
Nearly four months on from my exchange year to the U.S I still think about it every day. I don’t think if you’d told me when I hopped on that…
Kia ora! My name is Milla, I am 17 and I am from Germany. For the past five months of my life, I have lived in New Zealand and it…
I will forever thank myself for choosing to go on an exchange. It’s an experience I had always dreamed of having, exploring what’s out there in the world, to expand…
Staff member Josie shares her experience facilitating the first ever Australia/New Zealand cohort of the AFS Global STEM Changemakers programme Earlier this year, 75 young leaders from Australia and New…
I went to Nagoya, Japan for 5 months from March to August 2024. Some of the highlights of my everyday life in Japan were just the small, everyday interactions and…
I’ve always been interested in foreign countries and how they do things differently, but there’s really nothing like actually going there and experiencing it for yourself. This is what I…
My desire for adventure and cultural immersion led me to head off on an AFS exchange year. I was particularly drawn to Costa Rica because of the beautiful landscapes, friendly…
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