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AFS has been providing Kiwis with extraordinary intercultural learning opportunities for more than 75 years. We have the tools to help you live your dreams.

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50 Scholarships for Young STEM enthusiasts!

AFS Global STEM Changemakers

AFS is proud to offer 50 full scholarships for the Global STEM Changemakers: Australia – New Zealand virtual exchange, co-developed with University of Pennsylvania CSIS.

Open to teens (15-17) passionate about STEM and sustainability, this 12-week program (May 2 – July 26, 2025) builds STEM knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical skills through real-world challenges. Scholars earn an Advanced Certificate in Global Competence for Social Impact, join an exclusive network, and may qualify for the AFS Youth Assembly in New York. At least 20% of scholarships are reserved for Indigenous, refugee, and displaced applicants.

Apply by April 15, 2025.

Learn More & Apply!
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New Student Profiles for June & July 2025 Arrivals

Ready to have an intercultural experience in your own home this winter?
We’re excited to introduce our short-programme participants arriving in June and July 2025.
Check out their profiles and choose the perfect family member!

Student Profiles
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Expand your horizons & dive in to a new adventure!

AFS Aotearoa Scholarships | Ngā Karahipi Kaitiaki o Te Ao

Intercultural exchange programmes should be accessible for all students in Aotearoa New Zealand. With support from the AFS Educational Trust, AFS New Zealand provides a range of grants and scholarships for students from all walks of life. 

Find out More

"One of the best decisions of my life"

It’s a pretty special feeling to be able to converse in an entirely different language, and to see my grasp of the language improve from very basic sentences and words, to the ability to have full in-depth conversations as I’ve progressed. I’ve also made some great friends over here, and had some amazing new experiences that never would have been possible had I forgone this opportunity. I really can’t express how valuable that is, the vast range of things I’ve done, seen, or tried, things that, to me, are different in ways I never conceived of.

— Callum, exchange student from New Zealand to Uruguay

Latest News

  1. How Going Abroad Can Uplift Your Career: The Lasting Benefits of an AFS Student Exchange

    Going on a student exchange is an adventure into cultural immersion, learning a language, fostering unique friendships, boosting confidence and becoming independent. While many students choose to go on an…
  2. Screenshot 2025-03-11 151348

    Abroad in Poland: Where Jandals Don’t Cut It

    Luke, recipient of an AFS scholarship, reflects on his time abroad in Poland so far: Introduction: The Start of My Exchange in Poland It’s hard to believe that six months have…
  3. 20240713_172712

    An exchange in Auckland: Helen, Germany

    Kia ora, hallo! My name is Helen, I come from Germany, and I have been an AFS student in Auckland for the past five months during my exchange to New…
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Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

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