What can you learn from an AFS experience?
“Mexico did something to me, and to everyone else who came to Benito Juárez that fall. I did not become a ‘new’ person. I am not even sure I want to say I changed. I did get a new dimension to my life, and a broader foundation to balance on when making my perceptions of the world.”
Vilde Michelsen Værøyvik, Norwegian AFS student to Mexico.
“My time in Germany taught me the value of asking questions, and of learning their true, if harsh, answers. Germany has changed, in my eyes, from a land of ‘Bier und Bratwurst’ to one of sincere people, whose attitudes and perceptions reflect their history. Consequently, I now realize that every country on earth is undoubtedly worthy of exploration and understanding.”
Alexis Duecker, U.S. AFS student to Germany.
“Before leaving for Italy, I constantly worried whether I’d be laughed at, whether I’d fit in. I now realize how silly I was.”
Ho Chui Ping, Malaysian AFS student to Italy.
These three young women are the winners of the 2007 AFS “My Different View” essay contest. Read their essays and those of other former AFS participants at My Different View.
The AFS Intercultural Experience is more than just being in the vicinity of another culture. With a year abroad with AFS you can . . .
- Find out something new about your own culture and point of view by seeing it from a fresh perspective.
- Gain a real understanding of another country and its culture and society.
- Learn a new language
47% of our Year Program Students become fully fluent in the host country language.
Students typically increase 2 levels in their spoken language ability after a school year abroad, even if they start off with no knowledge of the language.
- Build Lasting friendships with people from other cultures.
I have a much greater curiosity about foreigners whom I meet in my city, am more sensitive to certain problems in the world. former AFS student from Italy
- Feel confident and comfortable with people from other cultures.
I have become more relaxed when I am with other people from other cultures.
We relate to each other because we are similar. We learn from each other because we are different.
