The AFS Exchange

In each episode of The AFS Exchange, we sit down with AFS-USA host families, students, volunteers, and educators to hear about the profound impact of their AFS experiences. Join us as we explore the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. As a non-profit organization, AFS-USA has been empowering people to become globally engaged citizens for over 75 years. With programs in 45+ countries and hosting students from 90+ countries, AFS-USA has been creating life-changing intercultural experiences for generations.

The AFS Exchange is a education podcast hosted by AFS-USA, with 59 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

AFS-USA hosts The AFS Exchange, a education show with 59 episodes published.

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  Episode #7

  Best Of: Hosting Moments

  Aug 10, 202633 minS6

  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 Ketsi Apartheid, Iowa, and the Aftermath: Reed and Ketsi’s Story (Season 4 Ep 5) Sarah What 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 Ann A Dynamic Duo: Mert and Ann's AFS Journey (Season 3 Ep 12) Jim, Ethan, Juan Carlos Hosting an Exchange Student: Insights from Host Siblings and Families (Season 3 Ep 3) Keith and Doug Keith, 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 Justin Becoming a Global Family (Season 4 Ep 8) More from AFS-USA: Host a Student | ✈️ Study Abroad | Volunteer | For Educators | Contact the Show | Collections

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  Episode #6

  Paper Cranes and Peace

  Jul 6, 202629 minS6

  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 Japan In this episode, we discuss: Meika’s motivations for choosing the United States The conflict between Japan and the U.S. during World War II The story of Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes Peace education in action Meika’s volunteer work with Hearts of Hope, and how it ties back to her hometown Challenges faced and lessons learned during Meika’s AFS program More 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

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  Episode #5

  Why Host? "Per Amore"

  Jun 8, 202631 minS6

  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 Team Wendy Fletcher, Greater Los Angeles Area Team In 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

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  Episode #4

  Cheerleader, Coach, and Confidant: The Role of a Liaison

  May 4, 202632 minS6

  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 Team In 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 askafs@afsusa.org . Not 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

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  Episode #3

  Decades of Boats, Buses, and Boarding Passes

  Apr 8, 202634 minS6

  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 Team Tyler Henry: Georgia Area Team In 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 askafs@afsusa.org . Not 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

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