AFS Intercultural Programs is a nonprofit organization that promotes worldwide learning and living experiences for secondary school students, young adults, and families. It was formerly known as the American Field Service. AFS is active in more than 50 countries. Most AFS programs involve the international exchange of students 16 to 18 years old. The student lives with a family in another country for a summer or for a year and attends a local school. AFS also runs programs for young professionals in education, journalism, economics, banking, law, agriculture, and language.
The American Field Service was founded in 1914 as a volunteer ambulance corps during World War I (1914-1918). In 1947, it established the exchange program for students. In 1971, it expanded the program to include international exchanges that did not involve the United States as one of the partners. The organization adopted its present name in 1987. AFS has headquarters in New York City.
