In an AFS program, students do more than travel — they go on a learning journey that helps them develop as active global citizens. The AFS Student Learning Journey (SLJ) combines online and in-person learning at every step of an AFS exchange program. AFS has developed this curriculum in collaboration with experts in Global Citizenship Education who helped develop the AFS Framework for Active Global Citizenship, which outlines the core educational principles and learning outcomes that guide the development and implementation of all AFS programs.
At the preparation stage of their program, students will receive an email providing them with access and login information for the AFS global online learning platform where they are enrolled on an online course that complements the local group orientation sessions delivered in the sending country.
Before an AFS Program Starts: Time to Discover
Online, Globally
As they prepare for their AFS program, students become part of a global community and meet like-minded people before even traveling. Each student is enrolled in an international online course that complements the local orientation sessions delivered in the sending country.
The AFS SLJ Online Discover Course is designed to provide students with the initial knowledge, coping
strategies and skills needed to have a meaningful intercultural experience and develop as active global citizens.
Once students complete all Discover course online content modules, they receive a certificate of completion issued by AFS International indicating the knowledge and skills developed.
Discover Course Content - about 3 hours total to complete
- Module 1: Active Global Citizenship
- Module 2: Understanding Culture, Understanding Ourselves
- Module 3: Stereotypes & Generalizations
- Module 4: A Tool for Suspending Judgment
- Module 5: Exploring Different Perspectives
- Module 6: Introduction to Sustainable Development
Students will:
- Explore the fundamentals of global citizenship, intercultural terms and tools that will help you further prepare for your experience
- Investigate key terms, concepts and approaches for social innovation that are important for active global citizens,
- Become part of a global community and meet like-minded people.
In addition to the content modules taken asynchronously, on students' own time, they are also invited to join three 90-minute live online sessions: Facilitated Dialogue Session #1, and Facilitated Dialogue Session #2. Trained AFS facilitators guide these sessions, which offer students a chance to review the content and connect with their peers.
In-person, locally
Before they travel, students participate in a locally scheduled group Pre-Departure Orientation session led by AFS staff and volunteers. This orientation gives them the knowledge, coping strategies, and skills needed for a meaningful intercultural experience. It is also a great way to meet other AFSers before they go abroad.