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Greetings from AFS-USA!
It’s been quite a school year, and you’ve made it to the final weeks (with students!). Our entire AFS community wants you to know how much you are appreciated for all you do to inspire students to become active global citizens. Your efforts matter and are making a difference – thank you!
As the school year winds down, I want to share a few opportunities that will set you and your students up for a great summer – and a good start for next year too.
Wishing you all the best as you manage this chaotic time of year and look forward to a summer break ahead.
With gratitude,
Sarah Radermacher
Director of School Partnerships
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Domestic Summer Programs for U.S. Students!
AFS-USA is piloting three new one-week domestic programs for U.S. high school students ages 15–17 this summer. These programs are designed to foster dialogue, cultural understanding, and connection within the United States. Hosted in locations including Ohio, Oregon, and Chicago, the programs will explore themes such as emerging careers and technology, historical perspectives in the Pacific Northwest, and cultural identity through food and community. Encourage your students to learn more and apply ASAP at afsusa.org/domestic-programs. Full and partial scholarships are available!
It isn’t too early for your students to start thinking about studying abroad in early 2027 with AFS. In fact, the scholarships and aid deadline for those programs is July 1, 2026.
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Host Families Still Wanted for the 2026-27 School Year!
As you likely know, having exchange students in your school community brings global perspectives and new learning opportunities for your students.
Please consider adding this message to your next newsletter/email or explore other ways to identify host families in your school community so that your students can benefit from a new classmate (or host sibling!).
Several outstanding AFS students are currently available to come to our community for the 2026-27 school year! Students like...
- Yago (M, 17, Italy) - a curious student who loves to stay active playing soccer, skateboarding, and working out – a perfect start for a future career as a sports or personal trainer!
- Avin (F, 16, Germany) - who comes from a big family. She enjoys English and Art at school and dancing in her free time.
- Lenny (M, 16, Germany) - a friendly and outgoing student who loves playing soccer and basketball and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
- Zeynep (F, 15, Türkiye) – who brings her ambition, empathy, and joyful energy to her friendships, conversations with family over shared meals, and the tennis court.
Host families provide a welcoming home, meals, and inclusion in daily life, creating a meaningful cultural exchange for families, students, and the whole community. To learn more about hosting or recommending a host family, visit afsusa.org/host.
Thanks for helping to share this life-changing opportunity with your students!
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Best Practices for Welcoming International Students
Are you new to welcoming exchange students to your school or district? Do you have questions or a desire to improve how you work with international students? We invite you (and any interested school staff) to join an interactive best practices webinar where we’ll cover options for enrolling and scheduling exchange students, preparing for their arrival, and integrating them into the school community. Calls are held monthly throughout the summer (register here). If you’d prefer, we’re also happy to meet at your convenience; email educators@afusa.org to arrange.
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Need a Meaningful Activity to Fill Open Space in Your End-of-Year Lesson Plans?
Explore the complimentary classroom activities in our Resource Library. The Connect the Dots activity, for example, takes just 10-15 minutes and can be used in ANY classroom.
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Congratulations to the 2026 AFS-USA Global Educator and Global School of the Year!
The AFS-USA Global Educator and School Awards recognize educators and schools that demonstrate excellence in integrating global competence and intercultural learning into their classrooms and communities. Each year, the awards highlight individuals and institutions whose work inspires others to embed global perspectives into everyday learning.
“This year’s finalists and winners exemplify the power of global education to transform how young people see themselves and the world around them,” said Tara Hofmann, President and CEO of AFS-USA. “Through a deep commitment to intercultural learning, they are helping students build the skills, empathy, and perspective needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. These educators are shaping the next generation of globally minded leaders.”
The 2026 AFS-USA Global Educator is Anne-Michele Boyle from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL. And the 2026 AFS-USA Global School is Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, OH.
The eight-member School Outreach Committee also named the following as finalists:
- Julie Aldrich – French Teacher in Bexley, OH
- Lynn Fors – Spanish Teacher and International Club Advisor in Geneva, IL
- Sarah Logemann – Newcomer Teacher in Rockford, IL
Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and winners for working every day to foster intercultural learning and active global citizenship!
Learn more how you or your school can apply to be next year’s winner: Receiving Recognition for your School. Pictured Above: Tara Hofmann, President of AFS-USA, Steve Denny, Superintendent of Winton Woods City Schools, Eric Martin, Principal of Winton Woods High School, Claudia Brown, Spanish Teacher at Winton Woods, Amber Strawser, Assistant Principal at Winton Woods, Josh Amstutz, Math Teacher and Coordinator of the Academy of Global Studies at Winton Woods, and Anne-Michele Boyle from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.
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Copyright © 2026, AFS-USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
AFS-USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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