Welcome Returnees of AFS!

Whether you went in 2007, 1997, or 1947, your AFS experience inevitably made a significant impact on your life. For many of you it would have positively influenced your view of the world and the people that live in it.

Whatever life has brought you – if you’re an AFS Returnee you share a common bond of uncommon life changing experiences with 10,000 other New Zealanders.

We want to help you keep your AFS experience alive. Whether you would just like to hear what we are up to, connect with other Returnees, or to become involved with AFS again, we would love to hear from you!

You can connect with AFS on our Alumni Website at

http://alumni.afs.org.nz/

or email Volunteer Manager Adele Blackwood

Returnee Resources:

Here is some information to help you settle in and continue your involvement with AFS. Now you can lend your wisdom and experience to others who are embarking on their own AFS adventure! Enjoy life back in NZ, keep in touch with all your family and friends overseas, make change for the better in our world, and have fun!

• The opportunity of a lifetime
An AFS experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will greatly assist your development as a young adult and will provide you with skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

• Gain a future edge in the job market
Employers are impressed by people who have tested themselves in challenging situations. AFSers develop leadership and relationship skills, learn how to conquer challenging situations and gain language and cultural knowledge.

• Discover the real you
Personal growth and development feature at the heart of an AFS experience. Become the ‘best you’ you can be and learn more about who you are and what direction you want your life to take.

• Overseas travel
Although an AFS experience is not strictly a travel related programme, New Zealand’s position on the globe means that overseas travel is an element of all exchanges.

• Learn a new language
From scratch, a student can gain language proficiency up to the level of second year university from one year abroad, when fully immersed in a non-English speaking culture. Students who go to an English speaking country will find that they benefit from increased confidence and public speaking skills.

• Become an insider in another culture
Being an AFS student provides a unique opportunity to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will enjoy experiences that tourists miss and you will become a full member of another society.

• Become part of a new family
With AFS you will live with a carefully selected host family. They will welcome you as a member of their family and help you adjust to life in your new community.

• Make friends and networks for life
As well as new friends and family from your host country, you will form strong bonds with other AFS students from around the world. This will provide invaluable lifelong global networks.

• Be part of something worthwhile
Do your part to create a more just and peaceful world by gaining global understanding. Your experience as an AFS ambassador will make you a stronger New Zealander and global citizen.

• Wise investment
Research shows that an AFS experience can cost as little as 20% more than spending the equivalent time at home. The lifelong benefits that result are definitely worth this investment, especially given that international travel and medical insurance is included in the fee.