AFS transforms volunteers into global citizens and changemakers

We call that the #AFSeffect!

Create change

Change the world by changing minds. Help AFSers and your community appreciate and celebrate cultural differences.

Create community

Join a global community of change-makers and people like you. Serve as a change agent in your community.

Create yourself

Develop practical cross-cultural skills and find your place as a global citizen, leader and changemaker in your community.

Create future

Lead diverse teams at home or around the world and promote inclusive societies for sustainable development.

Engaging with my community; meeting people from around the world

“My volunteer experience taught me a lot about myself and what I want to work for in life. The discovery of the various aspects of the Ghanaian way of life made me sensitive to cultural differences and a global way of thinking. I got to know new friends, with whom I’ll hopefully keep in touch for the rest of my life. I know that I’ll will never regret it.”

—Ronja Leder, AFS volunteer from Germany to Ghana

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AFS turns diversity into an asset instead of a source of conflict. It is our belief that people change the world by taking responsibility in their local communities aided by wider global perspectives.

Why volunteer for AFS?

While helping others, AFS volunteers also experience the value of intercultural communication, form formidable networks develop and practice language, leadership and professional skills and participate actively in community activities. AFS provides life-long development and training opportunities for volunteers.

The AFS experience is about growth and experiences that will continue for a lifetime. Many alumni choose to further develop their intercultural competence by volunteering for AFS.

Who can volunteer?

What do our volunteers do?

AFS volunteers in Ghana:

Promote AFS in the local community and schools
Recruit and interview students and families
Serve as a contact person for an AFS student
Organize fundraising events
Arrange activities for AFS students
Give support to AFS participants
Help with orientation
Serve as chaperons for AFS participants

Volunteering also offers opportunities for leadership roles at the local, national and international levels.

There may also be possibilities to participate in programs for young adults who want to volunteer their services to non-profit organizations abroad while acquiring intercultural skills.

Where in Ghana can I volunteer?

How to become an AFS Volunteer

Send an inquiry

To ensure the safety of and support to AFS students, all volunteers must be registered. Our application process is thorough and provides what we need to make volunteers successful. Feel stuck? We’re here to help.

Meet AFS volunteers

Find out more about us and what volunteering with AFS is all about. Then together we can clarify the best role for you based on availability, and what you want to learn and do.

Get trained

Receive basic training to be an AFS Volunteer, including What Every AFSer Should Know About Intercultural Learning™, to prepare for an engaging, meaningful volunteer assignment.

Begin your journey

You will have an amazing time no matter what you do for AFS. You’ll meet interesting students, make friends from around the world, work with passionate volunteers and gain intercultural and other skills that will last a lifetime.

Every volunteer makes a huge impact at AFS

Support

Match AFS students with host families
Help host families get to know their AFS student
Be a liaison for host schools
Introduce international students to your community
Check in with students or host families regularly to monitor programs

Plan

Organize orientations for study abroad and hosting programs
Arrange awesome social events and cultural trips
Bring host families together to share experiences
Set-up information sessions for students, families or volunteers

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Train

Guide AFSers and others through intercultural learning journeys
Introduce students to your country’s culture
Facilitate learning through creative activities
Share your own global experience and cultural insights

Manage & Lead

Launch community projects helping others learn how to respect, appreciate and value other cultures
Serve on local AFS groups and boards
Learn how to manage local volunteers
Inspire others to serve their community

Volunteer on the other side of the world

Want to volunteer abroad to tackle issue that you are passionate about? AFSNext lets you choose your area of interest—from working with youth to environmental issues—in a part of the world that you would like to work in and learn from.

Volunteer to create change

Join a movement of active citizens helping people and communities learn to live together