The AFS Exchange

Studying abroad is an incredible adventure, but it can sometimes feel a little isolating. So, how do you actually find your community when you're miles from home? This month, we explore various ways AFSers have connected beyond the classroom. We hear from Megan, Eva, and Esha, who share their personal stories of finding community, including in some unexpected places. From a German class in Paraguay to a community theater group in Germany, their experiences highlight the importance of putting yourself out there, even if it feels a little strange. This could mean finding a favorite activity in your new environment or trying something completely different. Saying yes and not being afraid of a few missteps can really open doors. Having a group of people you genuinely enjoy spending time with can significantly enhance your program. This episode reminds us that finding that sense of belonging abroad isn't just about school or your host family relationships. It's about actively engaging with your new environment and being open to unique paths of connection that might surprise you. Guests: Megan Frye Eva Esha More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student [https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | ✈️Study Abroad [https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🤝Volunteer [https://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🏫For Educators [https://www.afsusa.org/educators/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 📧Contact the Show [%22podcast@afsusa.org%22]

Welcome back to The AFS Exchange for the second part of our Founders' Day celebration! After covering the "when" and "what" of AFS's start in WWI in our last episode, we're now diving into the "who"- the people who were there, the early volunteer drivers.  Join us as we talk with historian Thomas Fife and get a glimpse into the lives of four of these individuals, uncovering some truly unexpected connections and poignant moments.  We'll also hear about Thomas's own journey into this history, which began with a random trunk he bought in Ohio and led him to the quest of locating a 100-year-old cairn in France. It's clear that the impact of AFS began long before student exchanges, touching lives in surprising ways. Guest: Thomas Fife More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student [https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | ✈️Study Abroad [https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🤝Volunteer [https://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🏫For Educators [https://www.afsusa.org/educators/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 📧Contact the Show [%22podcast@afsusa.org%22]

For this year's AFS Founders' Day, observed on April 7th, we delve into the remarkable origins of the organization during World War I. This episode recounts the story of the American Field Service, where young American volunteers courageously served as ambulance drivers, years before the US even officially entered the war. The journey from those early days to the AFS we know now is filled with wealthy socialites, treacherous drives, at least one unpleasant breakup, and the raw determination of young men facing unimaginable circumstances. In this episode, in conversation with historian Thomas Fife, we will cover the significant expansion of the American Field Service beyond its initial base in Paris, as it became a vital support element for the Allied forces. That same spirit of the original World War I volunteers – that deep desire to connect with people across cultures – is alive and well in AFS volunteers today, whose story is just as vital, though thankfully less dramatic and dangerous. They are the modern-day drivers, working tirelessly to promote intercultural understanding, facilitate life-changing exchanges, and build lasting bridges between communities. Guest: Thomas Fife More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student [https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | ✈️Study Abroad [https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🤝Volunteer [https://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🏫For Educators [https://www.afsusa.org/educators/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 📧Contact the Show [%22podcast@afsusa.org%22]

Season 5 kicks off with stories of self-discovery through American school activities. Ayya from Indonesia explores theater, Sama from Egypt embarks on a creative journey, and Danisa from South Africa takes on cheerleading. From coast to coast, these students embrace new challenges, build skills, and form lasting relationships. Their experiences highlight the profound impact of international exchange. Tune in to discover how AFS-USA students find themselves through new pursuits. Guests: Ayya Sama Danisa More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student [https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | ✈️Study Abroad [https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🤝Volunteer [https://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🏫For Educators [https://www.afsusa.org/educators/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 📧Contact the Show [%22podcast@afsusa.org%22]

In this Season 4 finale, we celebrate the powerful connections formed between host families and exchange students. Hear inspiring stories from past episodes: Jutta learns about Senegalese culture from her host daughter, Diarra; Justin and Chad reflect on the positive impact hosting has had on their son; Kakeru, inspired by his own host mom, hopes to pass his positive experience along and become a host parent himself; and Keith and Doug share the heartwarming welcome they received from their host son's family in Denmark. We'll also meet Naveenaa, a current YES Program student from India, who's exploring the U.S. with her adventurous host family. As you listen, remember that AFS is seeking host families to welcome amazing students for the semester starting in January 2025! Whether you're ready now or considering it for the future, head to afsusa.org/host [http://www.afsusa.org/host] to learn more and open your home to a world of possibilities. Guest:  Naveenaa P. Episodes Mentioned: Jutta and Diarra: From Senegal to Seattle: One AFSer's Journey in the Pacific Northwest [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1780957/episodes/14635935-from-senegal-to-seattle-one-afser-s-journey-in-the-pacific-northwest] Justin and Chad: Becoming a Global Family [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1780957/episodes/15683885-becoming-a-global-family] Kakeru and Kendis: Crossing Borders, Overcoming Barriers: Kakeru’s Inspiration Journey [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1780957/episodes/15571641-crossing-borders-overcoming-barriers-kakeru-s-inspirational-journey] Keith and Doug: Keith, Doug, and their Danish Host Son [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1780957/episodes/15404049-keith-doug-and-their-danish-host-son] More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student [https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | ✈️Study Abroad [https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🤝Volunteer [https://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 🏫For Educators [https://www.afsusa.org/educators/?lead_source=spotify&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=footer] | 📧Contact the Show [%22podcast@afsusa.org%22]