Global Learning Week is November 17-21, 2025! Celebrate international exchange and year-round cross-cultural connections with us this November. Resources and materials on this page will prepare you to share information about your country and culture in your classrooms and community, whether that is through an in-person or virtual presentation. You can also enter contests to win a variety of prizes!
GLW Contests
Student Presentation Contest
Give a presentation about your culture in at least one class at school (in-person or virtually). Follow these steps to make an impact (and maybe even win a prize!) during Global Learning Week (GLW):
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STEP 1: Ask your teacher(s) if you can give a cultural presentation in your classes during GLW (November 17-21, 2025). Use this teacher handout to explain why.
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STEP 2: Use the AFS PowerPoint template sent to your email (or download it here - PowerPoint Presentation Template) and fill it in with photos, and details about yourself, your home country, and town. Once you open the presentation, you must download a copy of the original presentation in order to be able to edit it. Add lots of pictures and share any cultural details you want. You can demonstrate a dance, wear traditional clothing, play music - be creative and have fun! Be sure to read the notes below each slide for presenting tips.
- If you are participating in a Sponsored Program (YES, FLEX, CBYX), use this PowerPoint Presentation Template
- STEP 3: After your presentation(s), tell us what you did! Submit details from your presentation by December 5, 2025 to be entered to win a prize!
You will also receive an email with these instructions and other details to help you make the most of your GLW experience.
Prizes
By giving one or more presentations in your school, you'll be entered in the contest to win AFS-USA merchandise from our Lands' End Store and other AFS swag!
Just be sure to log your presentation by December 5, 2025.
Presentation Qualities
The merit of each presentation will be judged on these qualities:
- Cultural Insights - for example, the presentation includes details about your home culture(s) and exchange experience in the U.S.
- Visual Appeal - for example, the presentation uses clear, relevant images
- Creativity
*View this sample presentation from a student from Germany in the Massachusetts Bay Area Team if you need inspiration!
Encourage your classmates to visit the AFS-USA website - afsusa.org.
- Wear your AFS T-shirt to show your #AFSPride and start cross-cultural conversations at your school!
- Send your classmates to afsusa.org/study-abroad where they can sign up for an AFS study abroad program.
GLW Interest Form
Are there students, teachers, or parents in your classroom that want more information after your presentation? Please have them scan this QR code to connect with us!
Video Contest
Share your story! Create a short video showing any of the following:
- How you're sharing your culture within your host community
- Your best photos taken during Global Learning Week
- Something unique about your own culture and what your AFS exchange experience in the U.S. has been like so far
You could even ask your teacher to film you giving your GLW presentation! Send your video to marketing@afsusa.org for a chance to win a Camp Snap Camera! You can also send them to us at bit.ly/AFSUSAUpload
Social Photo Contest
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STEP 1: Take a photo during Global Learning Week! Strike a pose with your favorite teacher or classmate or get a group shot with your presentation audience (in-person or virtually, with their permission).
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STEP 2: Post it on Instagram! Tag @afs_usa in the photo and use #AFSEffect in your caption! You can also send them to us at bit.ly/AFSUSAUpload.
- STEP 3: We'll be reposting your photos throughout the week! We'll choose three favorites and DM the winners' accounts on Instagram. Three winners each receive international snack boxes!