“The shape of the world a generation from now will be influenced far more
by how well we communicate the values of our society to others than by our
military or diplomatic superiority.”
—Senator J. William Fulbright, 1964
As a not-for-profit, independent, public charity, the AIFS Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, and other professionals who share a common interest in fostering international understanding and cooperation.
The Trustees meet regularly to review the effectiveness and quality of the AIFS Foundation’s programs and to approve grant requests from institutions and individuals.
The Executive Director is Melanie French, a professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of international education. Ms. French is assisted by an experienced staff in overseeing the programs and grants.
50 years as a national and international educational administrator; retired principal of a recognized School of Excellence, School Evaluator for the U.S. Office of Education, and principal of AIFS international summer schools.
Over 30 years of experience initiating, managing, and maintaining international education programs, publications, corporate partnerships, and other development activities focusing on individuals and associations.
Over 30 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, Director of the Academic Year in America program, experienced in high level conflict resolution, former host parent and exchange student.
Over 20 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, 30 years of accounting/finance experience and former host parent.
10 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, 21 years of experience in marketing and creative direction.
35 years of experience in the field of international education and cultural exchange, Chairman of AIFS Inc, board member of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented and the Alliance For International Education.
Over 20 years of management and executive experience in the non-profit and education sectors, 15 years of editorial and faculty positions in higher education, board member of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented & the Summer Institute for the Gifted.
Her 35 year tenure as faculty at The College of New Rochelle includes five years as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Over 30 years of experience in international educational and cultural exchange, expertise in program development and marketing and brand initiatives.
Over 20 years of experience in youth travel and cultural exchange, lived and worked abroad in the U.S. and South Africa, former high school exchange student in Arizona.
Over 30 years experience as an established industry expert, thought leader, and educator. Leads the development of partnerships and initiatives that connect public school/ district achievement concerns with innovative service and program solutions between public education, governmental bodies, and the private sector. Also a proud host parent for high school exchange students.
15 years experience with AIFS in development and administration of programs in Europe and Asia including responsibility for Academic Year and College Division. Advancement administrator in independent schools in Connecticut. Currently involved in Friendship Family program for international students at the local college.
Over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, board member and supporter of Children’s Help Net Foundation.
Over 35 years of experience as an administrator and teacher in Virginia, 12 years coordinating the Carmel Hill Fund’s education projects in the U.S. and abroad, Chair of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented.
Dr. Renzulli served as the Director of The National Research Center On The Gifted and Talented, and was awarded over 50 million dollars in research grants. He has spent his career on research focused on developing creativity and giftedness in youth and the use of gifted education pedagogy to increase engagement and achievement for all children. In 2019 he was voted number 12 among the 30 most influential educators in the world.
Over 43 years of experience in the field of gifted and talented education working in four US states, holding positions of teacher, coordinator, curriculum director, supervisor, and then academic director for SIG before taking on the role of President. Experienced in gifted education, curriculum development, creativity development, non-profit organizations and leadership, public school education and private enterprise programs, consulting, and advocacy. Also worked as a SIG summer program director for several years.
Board member of AIFS, Inc, experience in international money management and international business.
Over 35 years of experience in higher education and study abroad administration. As a student, lived and studied in Japan. Board member of AIFS, Inc.
In rememberance of Sir Cyril Taylor, GBE, founder and former Chairman of the American Institute For Foreign Study. A brilliant man who advanced the field of international education around the world.
30 years of experience in higher education specializing in international development and Global Education, visiting Professor at Kenyatta University in Kenya and at the University of Malawi.
Principal of elementary, middle and high schools in Raleigh, NC, Assistant Superintendent Raleigh schools, State Director of Special Education, Assistant State Superintendent in NC, Education Advisor for two NC Governors, Executive Director of the NC Business Committee for Education, Principal of first AIFS high school group in France, 1964.
Over 40 years of experience in the field of education, as a superintendent and head master in Connecticut and Ohio.
Over 15 years advising leading education companies, specializing in the intersection of public policy and innovation. Active education investor and frequent commentator on the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs.
“The shape of the world a generation from now will be influenced far more
by how well we communicate the values of our society to others than by our
military or diplomatic superiority.”
—Senator J. William Fulbright, 1964