The AFS Exchange

Latest Episode

Paper Cranes and Peace

Season 6, Episode 6
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.

Why Host? “Per Amore.”

Season 6, Episode 5
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 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.

Listen Here

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

Season 6, Episode 4
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.

Listen Here

Decades of Boats, Buses, and Boarding Passes

Season 6, Episode 3
We are continuing our series highlighting the people who keep the AFS engine running: our dedicated volunteers.

Travel Volunteers play a vital role in helping students journey from their home country to their host community – guiding them through bustling airports, navigating tight layovers, and stepping in to help if 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.

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.

Listen Here

The Universal Language of AFS

Season 6, Episode 2
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.

Listen Here

Inside the AFS Engine Room

Season 6, Episode 1
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.

Listen Here

Your Exchange Toolkit: Overcoming Challenges

Season 5, Episode 11
In the Season 5 finale of The AFS Exchange, we tackle the reality of exchange head-on: the moments of challenge that define true growth. Hear firsthand stories from former AFS students who successfully navigated difficult situations, including communication barriers, integrating into school life, and coping with loss.

Amanda and John from AFS-USA’s Participant Support and Learning Team join us to pull back the curtain on the support system AFS provides. They share insights and actionable guidance on how you can access help, stay grounded, and transform crises into personal milestones. Whether you’re a student needing strategies, a host family looking for guidance, or a volunteer, you’ll find essential tools to manage and grow through the ups and downs of your AFS journey.

Listen Here

2025 AFS-USA Volunteer Awards Recipients

Season 5, Episode 10
At AFS-USA, volunteers make our mission possible. Through their dedication and hard work, families and communities around the world experience the life-changing impact of intercultural exchange. Each year, the AFS-USA Volunteer Awards honor those who embody this spirit of service and commitment.

This year’s recipients are:

Young Volunteer Award: Carly Armstrong, World Flags Area Team
Emerging Leader Award: Ally Parrill, Dallas Area Team
Peggy and Art Howe Award: The Wells Family – Lance, Stephanie, and Delia, Columbia Pacific Area Team
Mission Award: Jody Axinn, Capital Area Team
Galatti Award: Karen Small, Midland Central Area Team
Dream Team Award: Capital Area Team

Hear directly from our recipients! In this special podcast episode, members of the AFS-USA Volunteer Recognition Committee interview each awardee about their journey, experiences, and what volunteering means to them.

Listen Here

Season 5

Season 5 of The AFS Exchange invites listeners on a journey through the real-life experiences that shape global citizens. Across the season, we meet exchange students discovering themselves through new school activities and community connections, explore how host families and short-term stays create deep bonds, and hear from alumni whose exchange year continues to influence their lives long after they returned home. The season also pays tribute to the legacy and impact of AFS volunteers — from the organization’s origins to today’s award-winning contributors — and offers practical insights for navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding support during an exchange. Whether through inspiring stories, veteran perspectives, or actionable advice for students, families, and volunteers, Season 5 celebrates the transformative power of intercultural exchange.

More Episodes

Season 4

Season 4 of the AFS Exchange podcast shares stories centered on the profound impact of international exchange, largely through the lens of host families, students, and volunteers. Highlights include glimpses into the lives of host families like Justin and Chad, who’ve cultivated a “global family,” and Keith and Doug, sharing their experiences with a Danish host son, alongside explorations of how “only children” adapt to newfound host siblings. The season also features inspiring individual journeys, such as Kakeru’s story of overcoming barriers and Diarra’s exchange from Senegal to Seattle, while celebrating the vital contributions of AFS volunteers and encapsulating the spirit of connection from the 2024 AFS-USA Summit. Additionally, the season touches on historical and social impacts with a powerful narrative from the Apartheid era and showcases the transformative power of study abroad through the experiences of returnees from various countries.

More Episodes

Season 3

This season delves into a wide array of inspiring stories and impactful experiences, highlighting the diverse ways AFS programs shape lives and foster global citizenship. The season explores the daily realities of exchange students in the U.S., provides insights into what it means to be an AFS host parent, and examines the broader positive influence of exchange students within school communities. It also features a series dedicated to celebrating 75 years of exchange, spotlighting the transformative journeys of AFS alumni like Jim Kiernan, Dana Rutson and her family, Dave Schrader, and Fen Namwat, alongside discussions on becoming a global citizen in countries like Paraguay. Furthermore, the season shines a light on significant contributions, including conversations with AFS-USA’s Global Awards Winners, the life-changing impact of AFS-USA scholarships, and inspiring accounts from host siblings and families. Memorable episodes also include the unforgettable experience of AFS participants in Cyprus in 1974, the enduring legacy of AFS in individuals like Dr. Rich Besser, the power of global competence in the classroom, and unique stories such as the Hummel family’s journey as TikTok-famous host parents.

More Episodes

Season 2

Season two of The AFS Exchange podcast delves into the various facets and positive impacts of AFS-USA’s exchange programs, highlighting the significant role exchange students play in schools. The season also sheds light on the dedication of AFS Host Parents through conversations with those in the D.C. and Dallas areas. Season two episodes also offer perspectives from three exchange students from Germany, Sweden, and Austria as they recount their experiences living with host families and attending high school in the U.S. The season concludes with a focus on recognition, showcasing conversations with the 2022 Global Awards winners, including Josh Amstutz, recipient of the Global Educator Award, and Oconomowoc High School, honored with the Global School Award.

More Episodes

Season 1

This first season of The AFS Exchange podcast lays the groundwork for the series by sharing unique and impactful stories related to the AFS experience. This initial season features a “Lifelong AFSer” like Kim from Wisconsin, who has engaged with AFS as a host sibling, parent, and participant, offering insights and tips. It highlights the value of international exchange within educational settings by interviewing “AFS School Champions” – high school administrators – who welcome exchange students into their communities. The season also delves into personal histories, including an interview with Nico, an AFS returnee whose journey was inspired by his mother’s own exchange, and an interview with Steve Riford, an AFS Ambulance Driver from WWII, providing a glimpse into the organization’s rich past. Practical advice for new participants is shared in “Advice from Us to You,” while “26.2 Miles to France” chronicles the unique experience of an AFS returnee to France.

More Episodes

Meet The Host

Kate Mulvihill

Kate Mulvihill is the creator, producer, and host of The AFS Exchange. Kate earned her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, where she focused on global themes and reducing barriers to study abroad.

Her own journey began with studying abroad in the Dominican Republic and France during college, then spending a year teaching English in Perpignan, France. Beyond her personal travels and work in the classroom, Kate has served as a Program Leader, supporting high school and college students on programs in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

A longtime fan of podcasts, Kate launched The AFS Exchange in 2020, creating the show during a unique time for international exchange. The first episode aired in 2021, and she’s proud to now be working on its 5th season. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Kate continues to explore her passions for languages, learning, and the impact of intercultural exchange on communities.

Support AFS programs and foster transformative experiences.

When you donate to AFS you become part of a global community supporting our work to transform lives and share cultures. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of students, families, schools, and communities across the U.S. and abroad.

Donate

Host Family Episodes

Stories and perspectives from families across the U.S. about what it’s like to welcome an exchange student.

The AFS Exchange

The AFS Exchange is a podcast featuring conversations with AFS-USA host families, students, volunteers, and educators. In each episode, we hear from our guests on how their lives have been impacted by AFS.

Latest Episode

Paper Cranes and Peace

Recent Episodes

Why Host? “Per Amore.”

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

Decades of Boats, Buses, and Boarding Passes

The Universal Language of AFS

Inside the AFS Engine Room

Your Exchange Toolkit: Overcoming Challenges

2025 AFS-USA Volunteer Awards Recipients

Season 5

Season 4

Season 3

Season 2

Season 1

Meet The Host

Kate Mulvihill

Ways To Listen

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Buzzsprout

Support AFS programs and foster transformative experiences.

Collections

Host Family Episodes

Volunteer Experience

Study Abroad Student Stories

Kate’s Picks

Hosted Student Experience

Educator Episodes

Voices of AFS

Exchange Your Perspective

Study Abroad

Host a Student

Volunteer

School and Educators