Choosing the Right Exchange Programme: The AFS Difference
When it comes to exploring the world, choosing the right student exchange programme means looking for a balance of adventure,…
Intercultural Learning
Gallipoli Youth Award Winners 2026: Walking in the Footsteps of Ancestors
“I don’t have any words in the dictionary that could describe that moment.” Lexie is referring to a moment…
More Memories from the 1960s
We continue our series of memories from the 1960s with Kaye Fitchett (nee Malthus), who not only caught a series…
From the 60s to Today
Two Returnees from the 1960s share their perspectives on how AFS shaped their paths, and why our mission is still…
Returnee Rachel’s Exchange Reflections: Resilience
Written by Rachel Lilburn: I didn’t want to go on an AFS exchange to figure out my identity in the…
What an Unfinished Checklist Taught Me on Exchange in Japan
Coming to the end of her exchange in Japan, Layla, recipient of the AFS Whakamanaia Scholarship, learned that a successful…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Returnee Reflections: Ava, France
I will forever thank myself for choosing to go on an exchange. It’s an experience I had always dreamed of…
Returnee Reflections: Antalya, Japan
I went to Nagoya, Japan for 5 months from March to August 2024. Some of the highlights of my everyday…
Returnee Reflections: Adrien, Finland
I’ve always been interested in foreign countries and how they do things differently, but there’s really nothing like actually going…