The AFS Exchange

Season 6, Episode 8
After hearing from host parents Matt and Wendy, 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 exact same roof.

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Season 6, Episode 7
What does it really mean to welcome an exchange student into your family? In our latest episode, we’re revisiting some of our favorite hosting moments—from those first nervous days to the moment a guest becomes family, and the lifelong impact of exchange.

Hear stories from host parents, host siblings, and exchange students about the connections, challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments that make hosting so meaningful.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Volunteers describe what motivates them, how they make a difference, and what they’ve learned through their time at AFS.

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Firsthand accounts from students who studied abroad with AFS and how the experience shaped them.

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Host Kate Mulvihill highlights her favorite episodes, including some of the most memorable and impactful conversations.

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Exchange students reflect on their time in the U.S., from school life to cultural adjustment to lasting friendships.

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Teachers and school staff share how hosting and study abroad impact the classroom and build global citizenship.

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Historical and contemporary stories that highlight the origins, growth, and legacy of AFS around the world.

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