AFS-USA Virginia Intercultural Programs

AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

The mission of AFS-USA is dependent on the quality of our volunteer and participant network. The mission and the preservation and growth of this network requires that AFS-USA strive to extend opportunities to volunteers, participants, and staff regardless of their gender, race, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, religion, veteran or marital status, national or ethnic origin, political opinion, economic and social standing or disability.

AFS-USA is committed to providing international and intercultural learning experiences for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities through a global volunteer partnership. We believe an inclusionary and equitable approach enriches our ability to draw from all voices, perspectives and methods. To this end, we are involved in a number of initiatives to make this a reality and further advance our mission.

AFS-USA affirms its commitment to volunteer and staff equity and inclusion as an asset that enriches individuals, organizations, and society. We believe that international education and exchange deepens our appreciation of the complex contributions of human society as well as our understanding of the consequences of social division. We solicit and encourage each individual’s contribution to a collaborative organization that welcomes diversity of opinion and positions in its pursuit of shared goals.

As an intercultural exchange organization, we seek in principle and in practice to make AFS-USA increasingly equitable and inclusive, to encourage participation by underrepresented groups at all levels of our organization, and to explore new opportunities to use our inclusiveness as a resource for strengthening our organization and advancing its mission. We pledge to hold ourselves accountable for the pursuit of these goals.

AFS-USA (formerly the American Field Service), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world for more than 65 years. That’s six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

Contact us for more details! Assisting at Cultural Events; Become a Host Family; Become a Local Coordinator; Help with Orientations

"We are a group of enthusiastic volunteers of all ages who are trying to make the world a better, more peaceful place through a high school exchange program. Whoever you are, wherever you are in Virginia, we would love to have you join our volunteers. Whether you have previous AFS experience or are simply interested in intercultural exchanges ,we have all sorts of opportunities to help, ranging from small or occasional tasks to longer major activities."