AFS Intercultural Programmes
The Essence of AFS
AFS is an educational organisation dedicated to providing enriched learning
experiences that promote intercultural awareness, tolerance and communication. By
providing immersive learning experiences in new environments combined with regular
reflection and coaching opportunities, AFS helps participants build solid foundations
for the future—whether in their academic careers, entry into the workforce or simply
as responsible and tolerant members of the larger community.
Over 10,000 New Zealanders have studied abroad through AFS and another 10,000
AFS students have been hosted in New Zealand since 1947.
The impact of an AFS Exchange
http://www.afs.org.nz/ - video of students
• Experience another culture
• Realise how important it is to know another language
• Expanding minds
• Acceptance of others
• Better understanding of the
culture of language
The impact of an AFS Exchange
By helping individuals develop more effective
communication skills and improve their
understanding of the unfamiliar, AFS gives its
participants, host families and connected
audiences better insights into the perspectives
of people from other
cultures.
Career & Academic Choices
Research has shown that AFS alumni have more
diversity in their professional and social
networks. They are also significantly more likely
than their peers to have careers that involve
working extensively with other cultures.
Language Skills
The ability to speak and use a foreign language
provides countless advantages in the workforce
as well as in everyday life. The type of immersive
experience provided by AFS exchange
programmes is one of the most effective ways to
learn another language.
Over 70% of AFS Participants achieved fluency in
another language after the completion of a year
studying abroad.
Intercultural Sensitivity
People who take part in AFS exchange
programmes show increased intercultural
development and more global awareness.
Personal Development and Growth
AFS Participants experience dramatically
lowered feelings of anxiety in new environments
as a result of their time abroad. Not only do
they feel more comfortable around people from
other cultures, they are much less likely to view
the world in terms of "them" and "us."
As the world becomes increasingly
interconnected, we are challenged more than
ever before to expand our knowledge and
attitudes in order to successfully participate in
the emerging global community.
Educational Results
The Assessment of the Impact of an AFS Experience
was an independent research study conducted in
2005 by Dr Mitchell R. Hammer in partnership with
AFS. Thousands of students around the world were
evaluated before, during and after the programme.
Compared to a control group of their peers, AFS
participants made significant improvements in
language fluency, their knowledge of other cultures
and their ability to forge intercultural friendships.
How?
What is Educational Advantage?
It’s an opportunity to invite and host an
educator from another country who can bring
real-life language and culture to your students
and colleagues.
Why?
• Schools have a new language and cultural
resource
• Introduce or enhance language programmes
• Build relationships with schools overseas
• Develop School Exchanges
• Give students real-life experiences
What do the participants want?
• To observe and learn new teaching methods
• Work with NZ teachers and students
• Do some teaching
• Share language, culture and resources
• Learn about our culture
• Often, see a bit of NZ
• Live with a host family
Prapan from Thailand and Kusum from
India 2013
Information:
Educational Advantage open Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EducationalAdvantageAFS
Educational Advantage website:
http://www.afs.org.nz/educators/educational-advantage/
AFS and Intercultural Research:
http://www.afs.org/afs-and-intercultural-learning/research/
AFS Educational Goals:
http://www.afs.org/afs-and-intercultural-learning/afseducational-goals/
Language Immersion Awards:
https://www.facebook.com/LanguageImmersionAward
http://www.afs.org.nz/educators/lia/
prue.elwood@afs.org