AFS Thailand hosted the AFS 2012 World Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, from 7 – 11 February, just as AFS Thailand celebrates 50 years of student exchanges and intercultural experiences. The World Congress allows the more than 50 AFS partner organizations from around the world to meet in person to discuss the present situations facing the network and it serves as a forum for ideas about the network’s future course. The 2012 World Congress had a robust agenda of presentations, workshops and guest speakers.
The theme of this year’s World Congress was ‘Sharpening our Focus.’ The AFS network came together and conferred about different ways AFS Intercultural Programs can capitalize on its many strengths in order to meet the requirements of a changing world. The leaders of AFS engaged in an active dialogue revolving around improving global practices of AFS as well as increasing the educational programs that have allowed more than 12,000 AFS participants each year to spend time living with a host family and learning about another culture.
Among the various highlights during the conference was the continued deeper focus on Intercultural Learning within the network, new program development and diversity, and volunteer development.
In addition, the AFS network welcomed two guest speakers, Professor Datuk Dr. Zakaria Ahmad and Dr. Irid Farida Agoes. Dr. Ahmad serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the HELP University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has published many works in international politics. Dr. Agoes is the founder and partner of the international consulting firm, Agoes & Agoes and co-founder of AFS Indonesia. She has dedicated her renown career to intercultural dialogue and understanding among cultures. Both of their presentations brought added value and insight to the World Congress.
Stay tuned, there is more to come! Meanwhile, you may read this new report of the World Congress in the Thai media here. Also, check out the AFS Archives Item of the Month in honor of 50 years of AFS Thailand at the AFS Archives Page.
I’m a volunteer who has volunteered for AFS GHA for the past twelve years. I’m interested in the upcoming volunteers’ conference 2012. I will like to Know if i can be part of the conference in order to visit chapters and school.
Unfortunately the conference for 2012 has already passed. Please check out our website http://www.afs.org for upcoming events! We’d be happy to have your participation!