What is AFS?

AFS has grown from its humble beginnings as an ambulance service in World War One to an international exchange organisation bringing together youth from more than 54 countries.

Choose one of these topics to learn more.

HISTORY

AFS CANADA

AFS SASKATCHEWAN

History

Shortly after the outbreak of World War One, a group of 15 Americans living in Paris volunteered to drive ambulances for the American Hospital there. This group eventually became known as the American Field Service (AFS). The group's mission was to transport wounded French soldiers from the front lines to mobile medical units. By the end of the war, their numbers had grown to 2,500 volunteer ambulance drivers. They did not bear arms. Theirs was a mission of compassion, not conflict.

During World War Two, the American Field Service's all-civilian volunteer force was stationed in Europe, Syria, North Africa, India, and Burma. When the war ended in 1945, AFS volunteers pledged not to abandon their tradition of international service. Compelled to hasten the post-war healing process, they vowed to work toward changing the world's focus from hostility to friendship.

These founders of AFS had an idea that was stunning in its simplicity: If future generations could empathize with and understand their global neighbours, recognizing and appreciating their differences, then perhaps future wars could be avoided.

They began their exchange program modestly in 1947, bringing 52 students from 10 countries to the United States for a year-long exchange experience. The former "enemy" nations of Japan and Germany soon were sending participants, a daring idea soon after the war.

Today a grand total of nearly 250,000 participants have taken part in cultural exchanges offered through AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc., the organization formed in 1947 to facilitate student exchange - the realization of the vision of its predecessor, the American Field Service ambulance corps. Just as important, host families in equal numbers have opened their hearts and homes to AFS students, and hundreds of thousands of AFS volunteers all over the world have generously donated their time and energy toensure that the programs succeed.

At this very moment, AFS students are learning to understand and speak more than 40 languages. Even more important, they are becoming fluent in the language of tolerance. A humble idea born from the ashes of war, AFS today with offices in 54 coutnries, is a pre-eminent leader in the field of international citizen cultural exchanges.

AFS CANADA

AFS Canada, better known as AFS Interculture Canada, is a member of AFS Intercultural Programs. AFS Canada is an educational movement whose purpose is to promote global education and international development through intercultural exchange programs for both young people and adults. AFS Interculture Canada is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity.

In 1978, a generous grant from the Donner Foundation allowed Canada to join AFS, the world's largest international exchange network. A national office was promptly established in Montreal. The same year, AFS Canada obtained status as a Canadian not-for-profit organisation and a registered charitable organisation.

AFS Interculture Canada has been growing steadily from the beginning, with increasing numbers of participants, programs, and partners involved in the organisation.

Canada offers three main exchange programs:

• Youth Programs (15-18 Years)

• Adult Programs (18 Years and up)

• Short Programs (summer exchanges)

Go to the AFS Canada homepage to learn more about AFS Canada and the programs it offers.

AFS SASKATCHEWAN

AFS Saskatchewan has hosted over 100 students despite its small population base. We have had a strong organisation with many volunteers over the past few years. In 1997, AFS Saskatchewan amalgamated with AFS Manitoba. This means that the board positions are shared between the two provinces.

Unfortunately, in the past couple of years AFS Saskatchewan has been experiencing problems not unlike many other chapters around the world: lack of host families, lack of students going out on exchanges, and a lack of volunteers. At present, the future of AFS Saskatchewan is somewhat up in the air. This website will keep you posted on any changes that will be undertaken!