AFS MORE Study Abroad with AFS It’s not just a trip abroad. It’s life in 45+ countries. Apply Now FIND YOUR PROGRAM WHY AFS? SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMS BY TYPE FAQS PARENTS & GUARDIANS BLOG DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PHOTOS Where do you want to go? Why Study Abroad with AFS? With a network spanning 45+ countries and 70+ years of connecting lives across cultures, we have the scope and experience to offer authentic, immersive ways for young travelers to study abroad and live around the world. Our 150+ high school study abroad programs are led by locals in the communities you’ll join. AFS staff, volunteers, and host families will welcome you to a second home. To us, studying and living abroad is about becoming a global citizen. Over 100 years ago, the founders of AFS discovered the importance of intercultural exchange. Today, you can be part of their legacy and join the 500,000 alumni who proudly call themselves AFSers. Read our Study Abroad Blog Dive into cultures and languages We’re all about immersion. Whether you’re learning a second language or connecting with your newfound community, AFS will help you engage deeply with local life. Find new horizons Be brave - we're here to support you Life-changing and life-long Go on a Learning Journey Scholarships Every year, we award scholarships to help high school students and recent graduates study abroad and see the world. Learn more and find funds Featured High School Study Abroad Programs High School in Switzerland With four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansch), Switzerland is an ideal place for international education. High School in Costa Rica By living with a host family and studying at a local high school in Costa Rica, you’ll be fully immersed in their Spanish language dialect and vibrant culture. High School in Argentina Spend a year or semester in Argentina and experience one of South America’s most vibrant countries with a diverse mix of European, African and indigenous cultures All Programs Not sure where to go? Destination Match Game Play our short Destination Match Game to get country recommendations based on cultural differences, climate preferences, favorite foods, and more! How to Choose a Study Abroad Program that’s Right for You It can be hard to decide when, where, and how long to study abroad in high school. With 120 programs in more than 45 different countries, it can seem daunting to… Study Abroad Programs By Type Year and Semester Summer 1-8 weeks Programs for 18+ Browse all programs Frequently Asked Questions Why should I study abroad? By going abroad in high school, you can change your world in ways that are both visible to you personally, and visible to your friends, family, teachers, and future peers and colleagues. Many AFSers say that their experience was “transformational.” They gain new maturity and independence, and develop a better understanding of what their passions and long-term goals are. They also share that they’re better prepared than many of their peers for the college application and interview process. There are practical benefits to going abroad in high school too, like gaining language fluency, developing critical intercultural communication skills, and forming lifelong connections that span the globe and often last a lifetime. The impact of going abroad is different for everyone. Call our AFS Study Abroad Specialists or visit Ask an AFSer on Facebook to learn more. Where will I live while I'm abroad? What will it be like going to school in a different country? Will I get school credits for the classes I take? How will I travel to my host country? What happens when I first arrive in my host country? Who will support me during my program? What happens if I have a medical emergency? Are there any scholarships or resources to help me fundraise for my program fee? Are there any eligibility requirements? What is the application process? When is the application deadline? Is there anything I won’t be able to do while I’m abroad? What’s included in the program fee? What’s not included? Can I travel during my program, or have friends or family come visit me? What travel documents will I need before I leave? Can I participate in a program if I am a non-US Citizen or Dreamer? Do you provide any additional resources for LGBTQ+ students? Info for Parents & Guardians With our guidance and support, your teen can develop the global knowledge and intercultural skills needed for their future. Explore Tips for Parents High School Study Abroad Blog 5 Ways to Continue Being a Global Citizen After Study Abroad Nearly 16% of all college students will study abroad at some point during their degree program, and through programs like AFS-USA, some high schoolers even have the opportunity to live… How Studying Abroad Improves Your Career Prospects There are so many reasons studying abroad is beneficial — you’ll make new friends, explore a different culture, learn new languages and make memories to last a lifetime. But studying… Hosting and Studying Abroad with AFS: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary When you think about going abroad or hosting an exchange student, the first words that likely come to mind are “adventure” or “language”. Both language and adventure (and more!) will… See more Embrace Diversity AFS-USA embraces diversity at every level of our organization. We are committed to creating safe and supportive intercultural learning opportunities for all high school study abroad participants, including persons with disabilities and people of all genders, nationalities, races, religions, and sexual orientations. Our Diversity Initiatives Study Abroad Photos from AFSers Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Secondary Navigation COVID-19 Study Abroad Host a Student Volunteer Educators Alumni Donate Create Account | Login Contact Us Telephone: 1 800 AFS-INFO Address: 120 Wall Street Floor 4 New York, NY 10005 About AFS AFS programs foster transformation that lasts a lifetime. Today’s exchange students are tomorrow’s changemakers: diplomats; thought leaders; influencers in the international business and non-profit communities. Every new exchange student is another global citizen in progress—an individual primed to help build a more just and peaceful world. And the impact doesn’t stop with the students. Host families’ lives are transformed by new members from across the globe and host communities gain greater cultural diversity. That’s THE AFS EFFECT. © AFS AFS-USA 2021 Legal Navigation Privacy Policy Equity and Inclusion Statement Public Diplomacy Initiatives Contact Us Terms of Use Merchandise Careers