Innovation in the way people are connecting is becoming more and more mainstreamed into youth culture, creating global citizens in such a multicultural world. Yet, there are several organizations, like AFS, that have had this as part of their missions for decades. One such organization is Up With People, a global educational organization that brings the world together through service and music. Founded in 1965, Up With People emphasizes the need for a global perspective, along with an attitude of volunteerism, community, and intercultural understanding. As they explain on their website:

Up with People was founded on the principle of using music as a means to communicate with and inspire people. In each city we visit, Up with People cast members perform a vibrant and inspiring musical stage show that brings the community together to enjoy a night of entertainment while sparking people to take action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world.

Beyond performing with a talented group of international singers, Up With People also offers service opportunities for those participating in its programs. These service opportunities include hosting music summer camps and taking part in intercultural education initiatives, among other activities.

Learn more by visiting their site, or viewing the video below:

Many AFS participants return from their time abroad invigorated to contribute more toward intercultural understanding. Up With People is a great example of a way you can continue interacting with cultures and expanding even further your intercultural competence. Whether you were an AFS participant, host family, volunteer, classmate, or otherwise touched by AFS, you may feel a calling to further promote global interconnectedness and understanding. With organizations such as Up With People, its clear that your options are not limited, and hobbies are not necessarily secondary.