Expanding the AFS Effect, No Passport Required

It’s time to celebrate the heartbeat of our organization- our volunteers!In this special bonus episode, we proudly honor the six recipients of the 2026 AFS-USA Volunteer Awards. You'll hear interviews with each winner, conducted by a member of AFS-USA's Volunteer Recognition Committee. Tune in to discover the dedication and passion recognized in this year's awards season.This content was also captured as a video! If you prefer to watch the interviews, you can find the full video version on AFS-USA's YouTube channel. A huge thank you to all the nominators, references, and judges who contributed their time and effort to make this year's awards possible!Young Volunteer Award: Ashe Purscell, Midland Central Area Team Emerging Leader Award: Viktoria Gramp, Heartland Kansas Area Team Dream Team Award: Greater Chicago Area TeamHowe Family Award: The Dray Family: Diane, David, and Ana, Milwaukee Area Team Mission Award: Sue Poet, Colorado Rockies Area Team Galatti Award: Suzanne Sebert, Missouri Gateway Area TeamReferenced Podcast Episodes:Inside the AFS Engine Room featuring Ashe PurscellHow Scholarships Can Change Lives featuring Suzanne SebertMore from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

What happens when students swap international flights for cross-country road trips, and global exchange concepts are brought right to our own backyard? In this episode we explore AFS-USA’s pilot domestic exchange programs launched in Summer 2026. We take you inside the Pacific Northwest pilot with veteran AFS volunteer Joanne and participant Maisy, who discovered that a single week away from home can shift your worldview and build lifelong confidence. We also hear from Chicago host dad David on why hosting a domestic exchange student wasn’t too different from hosting a “traditional” AFS student.Learn how short-term domestic programs are redefining intercultural learning, fostering community dialogue, and proving that transformative growth doesn't require a passport. Meet the guests:Joanne, Volunteer, Columbia Pacific Area Team (Pacific Northwest Program)Maisy, Student. Maine Area Team (Pacific Northwest Program)David, Host Dad, Greater Chicago Area Team (Chicago Program)In this episode, we discuss:How Joanne and the Columbia Pacific Area Team built a curriculum around the Lewis and Clark expedition, local Indigenous history, and multi-perspective storytelling. Maisy shares what it was like traveling solo for the first time, making unexpected connections with peers from across the country, and finding her independence.David reflects on hosting a student from afar and how these programs benefit both teens and host parents.  Why short-term domestic models are challenging traditional ideas about time versus impact. ResourcesAFS-USA Domestic Programs: Exchange That Starts at Home (Promotional Video)AFS-USA Stories That Connect Us (Interview with Ron Silver, leader on Pacific Northwest project)AFS-USA Domestic Programs AFS-USA Innovation Hub Talk a MileMore from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

After hearing from host parents Matt and Wendy earlier this summer, it’s time to hear from their host students!Leo and Fede arrived for their AFS programs with different mindsets, varying travel experiences, and unique motivations. Yet, four years apart, both walked through the exact same front door in Los Angeles. Despite their distinct backgrounds, both students bonded with the same host family, attended the same high school, and navigated similar challenges.Let’s re-enter that Southern California home to hear how two exchange journeys- one in 2017 and one in 2021- unfolded under the same roof.Meet the Guests:Leo, GermanyFede, ItalyMore info:Host dad Matt Lewis’s blog for AFS-USA, “Geert’s Legacy: How One AFS Exchange Changed My Life Forever.”Podcast episode featuring Matt Lewis and Wendy Fletcher, "Why Host? Per Amore" (Season 6 Episode 5)More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

Just in time for a new group of AFS participants to begin their program and meet their host families for the first time, we’re sharing a special 'Best Of' episode! We’ve gathered some of our favorite podcast moments about the hosting experience- from those early, nervous apprehensions, to the exact moment a guest becomes family, and the lifelong impact of exchange.Episodes Referenced:Reed and KetsiApartheid, Iowa, and the Aftermath: Reed and Ketsi’s Story (Season 4 Ep 5)SarahWhat is an AFS Host Parent? (Season 2 Ep 3)Joselyn and Devin Meet the Hummels: AFS Host Family and TikTok Sensation! (Season 3 Ep 7)Mert and AnnA Dynamic Duo: Mert and Ann's AFS Journey (Season 3 Ep 12)Jim, Ethan, Juan CarlosHosting an Exchange Student: Insights from Host Siblings and Families (Season 3 Ep 3)Keith and DougKeith, Doug, and their Danish Host Son (Season 4 Ep 6)Dana, Camille, Ricardo Celebrating 75 Years of Exchange: Dana Rutson & Family (Season 2 Ep 8)Chad and JustinBecoming a Global Family (Season 4 Ep 8)More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

You’ve probably seen it all over AFS-USA’s social media: the slogan "Pass Peace Forward." But what does that actually look like in practice?This month, we’re sharing a story from Meika, an exchange student from Hiroshima, Japan. Driven by curiosity, Meika chose to spend her year abroad in the United States- the very country that played a tragic role in her hometown’s history. In this episode, Meika shares why it was so vital for her to study in the U.S., and what she gleaned from learning about the exact same historical events from a completely different classroom perspective.She also helps us break down the value of peace education. While it's a concept strongly emphasized in her hometown, it’s also something AFSers actively participate in every single day. By simply sharing your story with someone else in the world, you are spreading a message of peace. Whether you are an exchange student, a host family, or a local volunteer, being open to learning about a different culture- while respectfully teaching others about your own- makes you an active participant in peace education.Meet the Guest:Meika from JapanIn this episode, we discuss:Meika’s motivations for choosing the United StatesThe conflict between Japan and the U.S. during World War IIThe story of Sadako and the 1000 Paper CranesPeace education in actionMeika’s volunteer work with Hearts of Hope, and how it ties back to her hometownChallenges faced and lessons learned during Meika’s AFS programMore info:Check out Hearts of Hope at ourheartsofhope.org.Learn more about hosting a student at afsusa.org/host.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

This month, we’re sharing a story from a host family in California whose introduction to AFS began back in the 1970s.Matt Lewis met a young AFSer from Belgium named Geert back in 1973, sparking a lifelong friendship and a major ripple effect. From road trips in high school to Matt acting as a casual crew member on tour with Geert’s band in the South of France years later, this one connection changed everything. Decades after that initial meeting, it inspired Matt and his wife, Wendy, to open up their own doors as AFS host parents and volunteers in Southern California.In this episode, we share Matt’s memories of Geert and the backstory that inspired their family to host, before jumping into the present day to hear from both Matt and Wendy about their own hosting adventures with their students from Germany and Italy. As you'll hear, hosting gave them a brand-new family on the other side of the planet - and connections that have taught them so much.Meet the Guests:Matt Lewis, Greater Los Angeles Area TeamWendy Fletcher, Greater Los Angeles Area TeamIn this episode, we discuss:Matt’s introduction to AFS via Belgian exchange student Geert in the 1970s.Matt’s continued relationship with Geert, including briefly joining him on tour in France with his ska band.Matt and Wendy's experiences welcoming Leo from Germany, and why they decided to host Fede from Italy right as the world was finding its footing during the pandemic. (Hint: it’s in the episode title)Their travels back to Europe - especially to a massive wedding in Italy- and the entirely new dimension that hosting adds to international travel.More info:Matt’s blog for AFS-USA, “Geert’s Legacy: How One AFS Exchange Changed My Life Forever.”Learn more about hosting a student at afsusa.org/host.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

Welcome back to The AFS Exchange! We are continuing our series highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our dedicated volunteers.While the host family provides the home and the school provides the education, the liaison provides the bridge. This unique role is the “third party” support system that ensures communication stays clear, expectations are met, and cultural hurdles are cleared for students and families throughout the exchange program. This is actually part of what sets AFS apart from other student exchange organizations- the 24/7 volunteer and staff support and a dedicated volunteer liaison for each student and host family.In this episode, we’re joined by an experienced AFS-USA volunteer, Kayla Resnick. Kayla has been a liaison for many years and shares what it’s like to be an emotional cheerleader for students, how she navigates late-night logistics, and why the local volunteer network is a liaison’s greatest support system. She explains why this role is vital for student success, and how being the "steady hand" on the sidelines is key to a fulfilling program.Meet the Guest:Kayla Resnick: Arizona Area TeamIn this episode, we discuss:How liaisons identify and resolve communication issues that may arise.The importance of occupying a neutral “third space” to support both students and host families.How the AFS Support Advisory Group (SAG) and staff ensure that volunteers are never on an island.What it means to be an "emotional cheerleader" and how this role evolves from arrival to departure.How to get involved:Volunteer Nationally: Current volunteers can learn about national leadership roles via Help & Learning for Volunteers or by emailing [email protected] a volunteer yet? Head to afsusa.org/volunteer to get started.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

Welcome back to The AFS Exchange! We are continuing our series highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our dedicated volunteers. In order for a student to get from their home country to their host community, AFS depends on the support of Travel Volunteers who guide students through bustling airports, navigate tight layovers, and step in to help when a connection is missed.In this episode, we’re exploring the evolution of the Travel Volunteer role, starting nearly 75 years ago. We begin with a journey through the history of AFS student travel- from 1950s ocean liners and cross-country bus trips to the smartphones and streamlined arrival journeys of today.Then, we’re joined by two expert Travel Volunteers, Fevzi Caglarsu and Tyler Henry, from the National Council Travel Advisory Group. They share what it’s actually like to be the “first face” a student sees in the U.S., how they navigate the unexpected with creative flexibility, and why this high-energy, fast-paced role is one of the most rewarding ways to support the AFS mission.Meet the Guests:Fevzi Caglarsu: Dallas Area TeamTyler Henry: Georgia Area TeamIn this episode, we discuss:How student travel evolved from ocean liners and long-haul buses to modern global flight networks.What Travel Volunteers actually do on the ground (or on the couch).How volunteers think on their feet to keep students safe and moving.How you can join the Travel Volunteer network and what motivated these volunteers to come back year after year.How to get involved:Volunteer Nationally: Current volunteers can learn about national leadership roles via Help & Learning for Volunteers or by emailing [email protected] a volunteer yet? Head to afsusa.org/volunteer to get started.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

Welcome back to The AFS Exchange! We are continuing our series highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our dedicated volunteers.In this episode, we’re following up on our conversation about the Chapter Leadership Summit in Spain- but this time, from an extra international perspective. We’re joined by Alessandro, a volunteer leader from Italy who speaks the exact same AFS language as our volunteers here at home.We’ll hear about Alessandro's journey from an exchange student in the fjords of Norway to his current role as a Chapter President in Sicily. This conversation is a reminder that whether you are in Palermo or Pasadena, the goals, the struggles, and the mission of building a more peaceful world remain the same.Meet the Guest:Alessandro: An Italian AFS volunteer whose AFS journey began as an exchange student in Norway in the late 2010s. Today, he serves as the President of his local volunteer chapter in Palermo, Sicily.In this episode, we explore:The structure of AFS Italy (or Intercultura) and how it compares to AFS-USA.Why volunteer "mobility" and retention in your early 20s is a universal challenge across any AFS partner countries.Alessandro’s key takeaways from the gathering in Spain and how he’s implementing those lessons in Sicily.How AFS leadership and exchange programs serve as a vital tool to fight the fear of communities and cultures different from our own.How to get involved:Volunteer Nationally: Current volunteers can learn about national leadership roles via Help & Learning for Volunteers or by emailing [email protected] a volunteer yet? Head to afsusa.org/volunteer to get started.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections

Welcome back for Season 6! We are spending the first few episodes of this season highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our incredible volunteers.In this premiere episode, we’re heading to Spain to follow two AFS-USA volunteers who attended the 2025 International Volunteer Summit in Málaga, Spain. We’ll hear about their unique backgrounds, the challenges of leading teams in the US, and how stepping out of their "local silos" to meet global counterparts changed their perspective on our mission.Why listen if you aren't a volunteer? Because these stories are a masterclass in human connection. It’s about what happens when people caught up in the daily grind of a local mission look up and realize they are part of a global movement. It’s a reminder that no matter where we are, we are all working toward the same common goal.Meet the Guests:Abdullah: Originally from Jordan, his first experience with AFS was as an exchange student placed in Kansas City in the mid 2010s. Now an active volunteer, he’s held leadership roles in Minneapolis and is currently helping drive the mission in Orange County, California.Ashe: Representing a 50-year AFS family legacy in Iowa, Ashe is a "legacy volunteer" who wears many hats- from School Outreach to hosting her second exchange student this year.In this episode, we explore:The "Engine Room" of AFS and the people behind the student experience.The struggle of operating in a "volunteer silo" and the cure for burnout.The impact of the first-ever Chapter Leadership Summit in Spain.How sharing ideas across borders reinvigorates local teams.More from AFS-USA: 🏠Host a Student | ✈️Study Abroad | 🤝Volunteer | 🏫For Educators | 📧Contact the Show | 🎧Collections