The experiences of AFS participants are so rich and varied that no blanket description can summarize them adequately. Nonetheless, prospective participants ask many of the same questions, and this site answers the most frequent. If we fail to cover your concerns and you want to know more, please find your AFS home country office information and e-mail them.
What is The Community Service Program?
This program is for young adults of 18 years or older. Participants volunteer with local organizations that address community needs and are exposed to new customs, morals, ethics and values that challenge them to reflect on their own cultural norms.
How much does it cost to go on an AFS program?
AFS is a worldwide network of AFS Partner organizations (National Office) in more than 50 countries. Each AFS Partner is an autonomous, individually supported, non-profit, volunteer-based organization in its country.
Contact the national AFS office in the country in which you reside for program fees information.
How old must I be to go on an AFS program?
The Community Service Program is for young adults who are 18 years or older. For more information and an application, contact the national AFS office in your country.
Who can host Community Service Participants?
All kinds of families can be hosts. AFS’s criteria for hosting is a secure, flexible, interested household of people genuinely interested in sharing their lives with an AFS participant, providing that young person with love and support, and learning about the world and its people. For details about hosting with AFS contact the national AFS office in your country.
Where can I go on an AFS program?
Inquiries about going on an AFS program, hosting with AFS and volunteering with AFS should be directed to one of the AFS Offices in your home country.
How long do AFS participants live with host families?
Community service programs generally last for 4-6 months. Contact the national AFS office in your country for more details.
Irrespective of how long a family chooses to host, you’ll find that most AFS participants and families become “families for life.”
How do I get information about my host country?
AFS is a worldwide network of AFS Partner organizations (National Office) in more than 50 countries. Each AFS Partner is an autonomous, individually supported, non-profit, volunteer-based organization in its country.
For information about your host country, please visit the Focus Page of your host country. Learn about AFS from other AFSers – talk to or read about the experiences of AFSers.
