In this newsletter, you will find topics about:

• Learning About Thanksgiving
• Honoring Veterans
• AFS-USA Global Learning Week
• October Reflection Survey & Stipends
• November Birthday
• Submit Your Story!
• November 2026 Calendar

🦃Happy Thanksgiving Season!

Whether you are experiencing your first American Thanksgiving or simply curious about the traditions, here is everything you need to know about the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November:

• The Story Behind the Feast: While the tradition traces back to a 1621 harvest meal between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863—after 36 years of campaigning by Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (a famous nursery rhyme for children)!
• Fun Fact: Americans eat roughly 46 million turkeys every Thanksgiving. Plus, every year, the U.S. President officially "pardons" one turkey, sparing it to live out its life on a farm.
• Classic Traditions & Parade Challenge: Millions kick off the morning watching giant character balloons, marching bands, and performances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by football games and breaking the turkey's "wishbone" (the bigger half gets a wish!). Don't miss the parade on Thursday morning—keep an eye out for your favorite balloon and share it in our next Reflection Survey so we can feature the top picks!
• How to Join In: Try hosting a Friendsgiving potluck with fellow international students! Bring a favorite comfort dish from your home country to share or ask your host family how to trace your hand on paper to make a classic "Hand Turkey" listing what you are grateful for this year.

Honoring Our Veterans & The Legacy of AFS

• On November 11, the United States observes Veterans Day—a national holiday dedicated to honoring all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• For AFS-USA, Veterans Day holds a deeply meaningful connection. Long before AFS became a leader in international student exchange, it began during World Wars I and II as the American Field Service—a brave corps of volunteer ambulance drivers who saved over 800,000 lives on the front lines.
• Following World War II, these former drivers believed that the best way to prevent future conflict was to build peace through global understanding. They transformed AFS into an international exchange program, giving birth to the mission of intercultural learning we carry on today!
• As we reflect on Veterans Day, we honor and THANK all military veterans for their selfless service, while celebrating our founders whose bravery on the battlefield paved the way for peace and global friendship. GO AFS!

AFS-USA Global Learning Week | November 16–20, 2026

Celebrate international exchange and cross-cultural connections this November! FLEX students are encouraged to share their home country, traditions, and culture with classmates and host communities through in-person or virtual presentations.

All FLEX students are required to give at least one cultural presentation! Students can also participate in the Student Presentation Contest and Video + Photo Contest for a chance to win AFS merchandise, a Camp Snap Camera, international snack boxes, and other prizes. Submit presentation details or videos by December 7, 2026, to be eligible to win.

Find instructions and additional information here.