Become an AFSer
Life-changing global programs in more than 55 destinations.
Open your horizons to new opportunities
The AFS intercultural adventure will transform your life! It’s the #AFSeffect
Open yourself to the world
Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy discovering new traditions. Take the time to appreciate, value, and deepen your knowledge of other perspectives, cultures, religions, and important global issues.
Experience change
Be willing to see the world in a new way and help others see it as you have experienced it. Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
Become multilingual
Go to school, learn a new language, discover new ways to interact with people from different cultures, and bring back those skills that will serve you for the rest of your life.
Discover yourself
Discover new aspects of yourself and take your place in the world. Learn to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity to grow and mature. Gain tolerance, confidence, and independence.
How can I become an AFS participant?
You’ve explored AFS programs online or met with us in person: now’s the time to register!
Find a program and start your application
Our app is quite comprehensive. Knowing more about you will help us make your AFS experience amazing. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact us!
You have been selected!
Not everyone can be an AFS student. Your application, interview, and recommendations tell us how ready you are to experience an international exchange. Now it’s time to set off on your adventure!
Attend AFS orientation
AFS orientation sessions (before, during, and after your program) help you prepare for and take advantage of opportunities for personal and cultural growth during your time abroad.
Get on the plane and meet the world!
Volunteers, host families, and staff are ready to make your AFS experience an intercultural learning adventure you will never forget.
FAQs
What is included in the program fee?
- Round-trip international travel
- Transfers between the airport or train station and your host family
- AFS medical and secondary insurance plan
- Hospitality with your host family (housing and meals)
- Orientation camps in your home country and host country*
- 24/7 emergency service in Canada and your host country
- International medical assistance
- A network of fully trained volunteers to support you throughout your experience
AFS relies on a network of qualified volunteers and staff in over 55 countries. Volunteers are trained and supported by AFS staff in each country.
The only additional costs you need to cover outside of the program fee are: passport, visa, required vaccinations, glasses/contact lenses, basic dental care, school uniforms (if applicable), and your personal spending money.
*Transport to orientations and accommodation are not included.
How and when can I apply for a scholarship? How much money is offered?
- When: You can apply for a scholarship once your application is complete (documents submitted, interview completed, and deposit paid).
- How: The application is submitted directly through our online portal.
- Amount: Scholarships vary depending on financial need and the type of program. They can range from partial funding to full program coverage.
- Selection Criteria: Awarding and amount depend primarily on your family’s financial need and the overall quality of your application (motivation and recommendation letters).
How can I apply?
- Fill out the form: https://canada.afs.org/partir-avec-afs/
- Attend an info session: You must attend an info session before moving forward with your application. Once you’ve attended, you’ll receive a link to create an account and view all upcoming open programs! From there, you can choose the program you want.
- Looking to travel further down the road? Hang tight—future programs aren’t published just yet.
- Don’t see your dream destination listed? Send us a message! It still might be possible to go there 😉
Do I need to speak the language before I go?
- Not at all! Except for a few very specific programs, the vast majority of destinations do not require prior language knowledge.
- Full immersion is magic: Living with a local family and attending school on-site, you’ll be amazed at how fast your brain picks up the language every single day.
- Tailored support: Language learning tools and support from your AFS network will help you take your first steps stress-free.
Will I be able to fit in and make friends?
- This is a 100% normal worry! Every single participant wonders about this before leaving.
- Step-by-step guidance: Our preparation workshops (orientations) give you practical tips and tricks to break the ice, understand the local culture, and make friends fast.
- Shared activities: School, sports, arts, and daily life with your host family are the best ways to build natural, lasting friendships.
Where will I live and how is my host family chosen?
- Caring, vetted families: The vast majority of AFS students live with a volunteer host family. All our families are carefully selected, interviewed, and prepared to welcome you like one of their own.
- The ideal match: Once your application is accepted, the AFS team in the host country looks for the community and family that best match your profile and interests.
- What if things don’t go well? It’s rare, but if challenges persist despite communication and volunteer support, AFS will find a suitable solution or a new host family.
- Other housing options: For certain short-term or thematic programs, housing may be in a school residence or immersion camp, always fully supervised by our team.
Can I choose my exact city or region?
- Discovery first! You choose your host country, but AFS takes care of finding the best overall placement (family and school) for you.
- Keeping an open mind about your placement location is a key part of the adventure—the best experiences often happen where you least expect them!
Will I be able to play sports or do extracurricular activities there?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended to help you integrate. Whether joining the school soccer team, doing theater or music, or trying out a traditional sport in your host country, AFS and your school will help you sign up for exciting activities.
Can I stay in touch with my loved ones back home?
- Yes, of course! Thanks to technology, keeping in touch is super easy.
- Finding the right balance: We do recommend not spending too much time on your phone or social media at first. The less your eyes are glued to a screen, the faster you’ll settle into your new life!
Can my parents or friends visit me during my stay?
- To ensure a full cultural immersion and help you adapt completely to your new life, visits from family or friends are generally not allowed during the program.
- However, your loved ones can follow your adventures from afar—and even come join you at the very end of your program to travel together!
How much spending money do I need per month?
- The AFS program already covers your housing, daily meals, and tuition fees.
- Your spending money is strictly for personal expenses (outings with friends, clothes, toiletries, snacks, or souvenirs). The recommended amount depends on your destination, but typically falls between $150 and $250 CAD per month.
Will my exchange count toward my high school diploma in Canada?
- Formats tailored to your needs: Several program lengths are available (4 to 11-week courses, summer, trimester, semester, or full year) to easily fit your academic path and goals.
- Essential pre-departure check: Whether you want to earn transfer credits, validate language courses, or plan for retaking state/provincial exams upon return, it is essential to consult your academic counselor (or school administration) before picking your program.
- Our advice: Talk to your counselor or school right away! AFS will provide all official documentation (transcripts, course descriptions) to make the process smooth with your school.
Why should I study abroad?
- Discover the world and yourself: Living, studying, and making friends in another country connects you to a world much bigger than your everyday life.
- Build rock-solid confidence: You’ll learn to feel comfortable in unfamiliar and multicultural environments—a lifelong superpower.
- Become a true global citizen: Develop practical skills to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Master a new language: Learning or improving a language on location lets you see the world through the eyes of locals and experience the culture firsthand.
- Boost your resume and academic applications: An international experience makes you stand out immediately to universities, colleges, and future employers.
- Clarify your future: Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you discover new passions and find your true path.
Why choose AFS over other organizations?
- 70+ years of expertise: AFS is globally recognized for the safety, quality, and comprehensive care of its programs.
- More than a trip—an educational journey: Our programs feature a unique intercultural learning framework designed to build 21st-century skills.
- You’re not just a tourist: You’re welcomed into a family and supported by local volunteers and staff dedicated to fully integrating you into your new community.
- An exceptional support network: Before, during, and after your stay, trained mentors are there to keep your experience enriching and safe.
- Lifelong friendships: You join a connected global community of over half a million alumni who share your values.
- A huge range of options: High school year, semester, or trimester; summer trips; language immersion; or specialized projects (environment, tech…) across nearly 100 destinations.
What happens after my program ends?
- The AFS experience never truly ends!
- You’ll join the global community of AFS alumni. You can become a volunteer, help prepare future participants, host an exchange student in Canada, or take part in international events.
The skills, maturity, and lifelong friendships you develop will stay with you forever.