The AFS Student Learning Journey

Our programmes provide the opportunity for students to learn the 21st Century skills needed to succeed in a global world

Orientation camp students

What is the AFS Student Learning Journey?

On an AFS programme, every student does more than just travel — they go on a learning journey. 

Our students have the opportunity to experience study abroad, learn global skills, practice social impact and return home as active global citizens who possess essential global skills needed to live, learn, work, volunteer, contribute to society, and change the world.

Before, during and after their programme, every AFSer can benefit from an educational curriculum that we have developed over 75 years of intercultural learning, and recently updated in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS).

At the end of their learning journey, we hope students will leave with the “AFS superpowers” that they need to make the world a better place through active global citizenship: adaptability, critical thinking, self-awareness, empathy, communication, valuing differences, open-mindedness, global awareness, and change-making.

Before an AFS programme: Time to Discover

At the preparation stage of your programme, you’ll receive access to AFS’s global online learning platform where you’ll be enrolled in an online course that complements the in-person orientation camp. The AFS SLJ Online Discover Course is designed to provide students with the initial knowledge, coping strategies and skills needed to have a meaningful intercultural experience and develop as active global citizens. 

You will:  

  • Explore the fundamentals of global citizenship, intercultural terms and tools that will help you further prepare for your experience
  • Investigate key terms, concepts and approaches for social innovation that are important for active global citizens
  • Become part of a global community and meet like-minded and diverse people.

Once you complete all Discover course online content modules (approx 5.5 hours), you’ll receive a certificate of completion issued by AFS International indicating the knowledge and skills developed. You also have the opportunity to earn a digital badge certified by Credly. 

  • Module 1:  Active Global Citizenship  
  • Module 2: Understanding Culture, Understanding Ourselves  
  • Module 3: Stereotypes & Generalizations 
  • Module 4: A Tool for Suspending Judgment

During an AFS programme: Time to Develop

During your exchange programme, you’ll complete the Develop section of the AFS SLJ. You’ll further explore how to help solve global and local challenges, how to communicate across cultures effectively, and how to apply these skills and practice making positive changes in your host community.

You will:
● Dive deeper into global citizenship, intercultural terms and tools that will help you further understand and
relate to others across differences,
● Learn and practice tools for real-world social impact and changemaking, and
● Continue to engage in a global community with your peers.

Once you complete all Discover course online content modules, you’ll receive a certificate of completion issued by AFS International indicating the knowledge and skills developed. You also have the opportunity to earn a digital badge certified by Credly.

● Module 1: Managing Intercultural Encounters
● Module 2: Cultural Value Dimensions
● Module 3: Communication Styles
● Module 4: Recognizing and Avoiding Microaggressions

What do students say?

  • I plan to use this information to make a change in the world.
  • I will definitely use listening with empathy and open-mindedness in my day to day life. I will also try to problem-solve and collaborate with others to reach creative solutions.
  • Overall I loved learning that there is a danger to “one story”, now I am open-minded.
  • I think all of what we learned is super helpful and I plan on using that during and after the AFS experience, it basically improves our mindsets and make us have different insights.
  • It helps so much to have tools, I feel I see my life differently.
Check out our programmes and start your AFS Learning Journey today