About AFS
| 506 SW 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor Portland, OR 97204-1523 Tel: 800-AFS-INFO Fax: 503-241-1653 Email: afsinfo@afs.org |
AFS Intercultural Programs (formally the American Field Service) is the most experienced student exchange
program, with opportunities to live and study in 40 countries worldwide!
program, with opportunities to live and study in 40 countries worldwide!
AFS Intercultural Programs was established more than 50 years ago by American volunteers who had driven
ambulances to carry the wounded from the European battlefields of World War I and World War II. After the
Great War, they resolved that they would do everything in their power to ensure that no carnage on that scale
would ever occur again. Their solution? To begin an International student exchange program for high school
aged youth.
ambulances to carry the wounded from the European battlefields of World War I and World War II. After the
Great War, they resolved that they would do everything in their power to ensure that no carnage on that scale
would ever occur again. Their solution? To begin an International student exchange program for high school
aged youth.
By 1947, the first exchange was arranged and included students from 11 European nations who came to the
United States. By 1948, German students were included among the students hosted here. By 1950, AFS was
also sending American students abroad to live with families in other lands. From these early exchanges, a
mission developed which guides the work of more than 100,000 volunteers worldwide today.
United States. By 1948, German students were included among the students hosted here. By 1950, AFS was
also sending American students abroad to live with families in other lands. From these early exchanges, a
mission developed which guides the work of more than 100,000 volunteers worldwide today.
To read more about how AFS started, read an article from the The Oregonian by columnist Margie Boule.
Intercultural Programs
If you want to get to know people from other countries -- whether you leave home or not -- AFS has a program
for you.
for you.
Students, 15 to 18 live with a family in a community abroad and attend school for a semester or a year.
Some students spend a school vacation studying the language and culture of another country.
Some students spend a school vacation studying the language and culture of another country.
Young adults, 18 and over work in community service organizations or businesses in countries
abroad while learning new skills, the language and culture.
abroad while learning new skills, the language and culture.
Teachers live with a host family in another country and teach in the local school system.
Volunteers help bring the concept of global understanding home to local communities - they form the
heart of AFS.
heart of AFS.
Want to learn more?
See the AFS-USA web site for more information.
Request a free program catalog from the AFS Info Center.
Call the AFS Western Regional Service Center at 1-800-876-2377.
Volunteer Opportunities
AFS is the collective efforts of tens of thousands of persons around the world who, like you, are concerned
about the future of our world. Nearly all of our volunteers have either participated in an AFS study abroad
program themselves or hosted an AFS student. When you become an AFS volunteer, you'll make new friends,
share experiences, expand your world view, have fun, and help others as you work for a more just and peaceful
world, right in your own backyard!
about the future of our world. Nearly all of our volunteers have either participated in an AFS study abroad
program themselves or hosted an AFS student. When you become an AFS volunteer, you'll make new friends,
share experiences, expand your world view, have fun, and help others as you work for a more just and peaceful
world, right in your own backyard!
Here are some ways you can get involved today:
Serve as a contact to your local high school.
Donate office space, in-kind goods, or professional services.
Interview U.S. Students who are planning to go abroad, to help answer their questions and guide
them in making the best choices.
them in making the best choices.
Have fun organizing and participating in AFS sponsored activities, such as talent shows, international
nights, picnics and orientation events.
nights, picnics and orientation events.
Act as an ambassador from your local community to help foreign students adjust to life in the United
States.
States.
Help identify families to host students from abroad.
Interview families who have applied to host students from abroad.
Take the next step!
Contact Joan Cavanagh for information on volunteer opportunities in the Silver and Gold Area.
Area Contacts
Western Regional Center
1-800-876-2377 or afsinfo@afs.org
1-800-876-2377 or afsinfo@afs.org
Silver and Gold Area Team
mailto:afs_silverandgold@yahoo.com
mailto:afs_silverandgold@yahoo.com
Local Chapters in California
Davis
530-753-2274
Nevada Union
530-272-6504
Rio Vista/Delta
707-374-2563
Winters
530-795-4496
Yuba City/ Marysville
carolmcc@succeed.net
Local Chapters in Nevada
Elko
775-753-8983
Incline Village
Reno/Carson City
775-747-8803
aaprNICK@aol.com
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| Please send your comments or suggestions to AFS Silver and Gold Area |
Host families provide a bed, food, love and guidance to motivated teens eager to learn about
U.S. culture, language, and lifestyle.
U.S. culture, language, and lifestyle.
530-674-5962
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darling@stardustweb.net
775-831-8608
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