The past year was both a challenging and a rewarding year for AFS, which saw significant economic, social and political changes unfold around the world. As a global organization, AFS is managing these challenges, by relying on the core principles that have guided the organization over the last 63 years, and on the strength of the AFS Network of volunteers, hosts and participants.

AFS made significant strides in implementing Vision 2020, the long-term strategy for reaching more people with high-quality programs in more countries over the next 10 years. AFS took the opportunity to broaden its perspectives and to explore opportunities both within and outside the organization. More specifically, AFS strengthened two assets that continue to be at the heart of the organization: the volunteer network and a growing range of programs. AFS Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and AFS completed several initiatives to increase their long-term engagement.

The leadership of the AFS Network gathered for the 2009 World Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which focused on innovation and embracing change while remaining committed to lifelong intercultural learning. AFS-USA held its first National Volunteer Assembly, beginning a new phase of engagement with their volunteers. AFS Thailand established hosting centers throughout the country to provide volunteer training and more consistent and localized follow-up with participants and host families.

In 2009, AFS achieved important results in its programs. Programs were reintroduced in Kenya through a partnership with the Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. AFS also restarted operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. AFS Colombia engaged young adults from Germany in community service projects that had direct positive impact in their communities through the Weltwärts Program. AFS Interculture South Africa launched bilateral exchanges with Mozambique and South Africa. Significantly, AFS, in partnership with the governments of Japan, Germany and the United States, sent 1,295 participants on exchange programs over the course of the year. Many Partners, led by Intercultura, the AFS Partner in Italy, have received generous scholarships from corporations.

Beyond the accomplishments of 2009, how AFS is perceived in the world is a revealing measure of our effectiveness, and there are two examples that recognize the leading role that AFS plays in providing quality lifelong intercultural learning. AFS International was invited to present a research paper on the state of secondary student exchange programs by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Also, the Board of the Caravan Institute, a New York-based non-profit organization, announced that AFS International will receive a contribution of USD 1.5 million to support investment in new projects and to provide an endowed scholarship program.

This website provide more details on activities of the past year, and highlight some of the core principles of AFS that will be important in the year ahead. We look forward, with your support, to continuing to enrich our current programs, exploring opportunities to grow, and increasing the number of people who participate in AFS intercultural learning experiences.