AFS Intercultural Programs

08/27/2026

The August AFS Now Newsletter is OUT! 🗞️

Highlights:
🌐 A New Generation of AFSers Takes Flight: Thousands of high school students have arrived in over 50 destination countries to begin their AFS exchange programs.
👏 Wrapping Up the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly: Hundreds of young global citizens from more than 80 countries recently gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 31st AFS Youth Assembly.
🎖️ 2026 AFS Volunteer Awards open: We honor the extraordinary members of our community driving our global mission and this year, we’re including two brand-new categories celebrating local volunteer action and educational leadership.

Read the newsletter & see what’s happening in the AFS world: afs.org/afs-now

08/26/2026

🏆 It’s the Awards season at AFS again! 🏆

We continue the tradition of honoring outstanding AFS volunteers who have made tremendous contributions to our mission and organization.

Plus, we have two new awards this year: the AFS International Volunteer Action Award and the AFS Global School Award.

Visit afs.org and contact the AFS in the country where you live to find out more.

Nominations will be open until September 10, and the winners will be announced on International Volunteer Day on December 5.

Meet the 2025 AFS Volunteer Award winners: afs.org/volunteer/awards.

08/25/2026

Imagine starting 2027 not just with new goals, but in a completely new country.

February 2027 might seem like a distant date on the calendar, but the journey actually starts right now. Applications are officially open to study abroad, and now is the right time to secure your spot.

Whether you want to immerse yourself for a full year, a semester, a trimester, or just a few short weeks, there’s an AFS program tailored to your timeline. You pick the destination — we help you make it happen.

Ready to step outside your comfort zone and see the world differently?

Reach out to AFS in your country today to explore your options and start your application: afs.org/about-afs/contact-us/

08/24/2026

AFS Vietnam is awarding 10 full scholarships for the prestigious Global Up Educator virtual program.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
🔹 Earn the global AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC).
🔹 Master modern teaching methods to boost students' critical thinking & empathy.
🔹 Join a flexible online learning program (2–3 hrs/week for 5 weeks).

KEY DETAILS:
🔹 Eligible Applicants: High school educators in Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City with good English proficiency.
🔹 Application Deadline: October 9, 2026.

APPLY NOW: vietnam.afs.org/ -nav-hoc-bong-chuong-trinh-global-up-educator

‼️ Contact AFS Vietnam:
Hotline/Zalo 097 241 3553
Email: [email protected]

08/11/2026

Join AFS Intercultural Programs and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as we co-organize the 2026 International Youth Day Celebration at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland!

Under this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” this high-level, intergenerational dialogue brings together prominent diplomats, UN leaders, and policymakers alongside an inspiring youth panel of emerging changemakers and innovators.

We will explore practical pathways to expand opportunities, strengthen youth leadership, and drive collective action across global communities.

Plus: You do not need to be in Geneva to participate! The event is open to the public and will be live-streamed globally so that anyone, anywhere can tune in and join this vital conversation.

📅 Date: August 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM CET
📍 Location: WHO Headquarters (Geneva) & Online
🔗 Tune in to the live stream and learn more: afs.org/celebrate-international-youth-day-2026/

UN Youth Affairs
Kofi Annan Foundation
Auswärtiges Amt
World Bank Group
European Commission - Economy and Finance
Misk Global

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

08/07/2026

✨ Looking to end 2026 on a high note?

There are still spots open for our AFS Global You Virtual Exchange programs this year! If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to expand your horizons and try something completely new, this is your cue.

Whether you want to explore different cultures or launch a social movement, we’ve got a track for you. With several start dates remaining, it’s not too late to jump in!

➡️ Adventurer Track: Dive into new cultures, build a worldwide network of friends, and see the world from a completely fresh point of view.

➡️ Changemaker Track: Design your own social impact project with expert mentorship from AFS and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy.

Where do you fit in our global community? Pick your path and claim your spot today: afs.org/virtual-exchange