Introduction
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Working with communities striving to build better lives for themselves, AFS Community Service Program participants are part of a tradition of service started by AFS’s founders, the American Field Service volunteer ambulance drivers during WWI and WWII. In 1998 more than 400 young people had an AFS Community Service experience.
Participants volunteer with local organizations that are experienced in serving community needs such as improving the health of children living on the streets of Asuncion, Paraguay, or developing training programs with human rights workers in townships near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
During the program, participants are exposed to new customs, morals, ethics and values that challenge them to reflect on their own cultural norms. This intercultural learning process develops in participants not only a deeper understanding of another culture but, perhaps most profoundly, a richer awareness of their own background. The program strengthens the skills and competence of young people to work with organizations that serve the community. The hosting organizations benefit from having another helping hand in addition to a broader worldview and insights into building new social structures through shared experiences.
The Community Service Program is primarily hosted in Latin America and Africa, with some programs in Asia and Europe. It is the fastest growing program in AFS today.
Participants volunteer with local organizations that are experienced in serving community needs such as improving the health of children living on the streets of Asuncion, Paraguay, or developing training programs with human rights workers in townships near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
During the program, participants are exposed to new customs, morals, ethics and values that challenge them to reflect on their own cultural norms. This intercultural learning process develops in participants not only a deeper understanding of another culture but, perhaps most profoundly, a richer awareness of their own background. The program strengthens the skills and competence of young people to work with organizations that serve the community. The hosting organizations benefit from having another helping hand in addition to a broader worldview and insights into building new social structures through shared experiences.
The Community Service Program is primarily hosted in Latin America and Africa, with some programs in Asia and Europe. It is the fastest growing program in AFS today.
" The peacetime job that AFS has voluntarily undertaken is the most important one of all. It is one that ... will help eliminate the misunder-standings that promote conflict."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, former President of the United States and of Columbia University
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