American Youth Abroad

American Youth Abroad is a program of the AIFS Foundation that offers cultural exchange programs for U.S. high school students. Students acquire self-confidence, independence and maturity while living overseas, qualities they can rely on to build successful futures in college and beyond.

American Youth Abroad participants travel overseas to live with host families while attending a local high school. Semester and year programs are available in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. Students experience the life of a teenager in that country while working toward fluency in the country's native language.

Summer program participants can choose from homestays, intensive language school programs, and overseas volunteer opportunities. Summer programs are available in Austria, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, and Italy. Students have the opportunity to see those countries in a way different than a tourist.

Whatever the option, the American Youth Abroad experience allows students to practice the local language on a daily basis, experience different foods, cultures and traditions, and make new friends. American Youth Abroad participants will have an incredible experience overseas and grow more than ever thought possible.

Much more about American Youth Abroad

How AIFS Foundation programs are administered