Step into a world bigger than you’ve ever imagined. New cultures, new perspectives, new languages, new countries and new people.

For more information about going on an exchange with AFS please send an email to info-newzealand@afs.org or call 0800 600 300.

High School Programmes - Student Exchange

Enjoy the ultimate AFS experience and fully integrate yourself into another culture as you live with a host family and attend a local school as a full-time student.

Volunteer Overseas

Immerse yourself in a local community overseas by living with a host family and working as a volunteer in a non-government, community-based organisation.

Language Immersion Awards for students

For students studying a language within the NZ curriculum: Fully immerse yourself in local language, improve language skills and knowledge and gain a deeper understanding and respect for cultural differences while you live a host family. Fully funded six-month programmes available.

Language Immersion Awards for teachers

For teachers of a language within the NZ curriculum: Fully immerse yourself in local language, observe and assist in a range of schools and live with a host family. Fully funded one-month or year-long programmes available.

Asia:NZ Foundation/AFS Educator Award

These fully funded three-week programmes give New Zealand educators the opportunity to travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India or the Philippines. Develop your skills and learn new ones within an educational context in Asia.

“My AFS year was the single most influential experience of my life and I would say to anyone – don’t think twice about it because the advantages will be with you for life.”

Peter Williams, New Zealand broadcaster, returnee, USA, 1967.