AFS Intercultural Programs and Federation EIL – Worldwide Network of The Experiment in International Living are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to advance their shared mission of fostering intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and educational exchanges.
As two not-for-profit organizations with a longstanding commitment to international peace and understanding, AFS and Federation EIL will collaborate on advocacy initiatives, study abroad programs, virtual exchanges, and capacity-building programs worldwide.
A Shared Mission for a More Just and Peaceful World
Both organizations recognize the power of intercultural learning in creating a more just and peaceful world. Through this partnership, AFS and Federation EIL will leverage their shared values, expertise, and global networks to enhance their impact and create meaningful opportunities for individuals to develop the skills and perspectives needed to navigate an interconnected world.
The partnership will focus on three key areas of collaboration:
- Advocacy and Awareness – Promoting the importance of intercultural education, global citizenship, and international exchanges as essential components of a more peaceful and just society.
- Programmatic Initiatives – Working together on study abroad programs for students, educators, and volunteers; digital global citizenship education for diverse audiences; and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen staff and volunteer networks.
- Country-Specific Collaborations – Exploring local opportunities for joint efforts, tailored to the specific needs and contexts of individual countries within both organizations’ global networks.
“At Federation EIL, we believe that intercultural learning is key to fostering empathy, understanding, and cooperation across borders.” says Cecilia Gámez – President of Federation EIL ”This partnership with AFS Intercultural Programs allows us to strengthen our collective impact and create even more meaningful opportunities for people to engage in transformative international experiences. By working together, we can amplify our advocacy for global citizenship, develop innovative programs, and support more individuals in navigating an increasingly interconnected world. We are excited to embark on this journey with AFS and look forward to the positive change we can achieve together.”
Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs adds: “This partnership with Federation EIL represents a powerful step forward in advancing global citizenship and intercultural learning. By combining our expertise, networks, and shared commitment to building a more just and peaceful world, we are creating more opportunities for young people, educators, and volunteers to engage meaningfully across cultures. Together, we will expand access to transformative exchange programs, strengthen advocacy for intercultural education, and empower individuals to become changemakers in their communities and beyond”.
Building on Previous Successful Collaborations
The two organizations have already been collaborating on a number of joint initiatives over the past years. More recently, AFS and EIL partnerships have developed organically in Germany, Spain, and the UK, where AFS exchange students are hosted by EIL, and in Ireland where EIL and AFS operate as one organization.
AFS and Federation EIL will continue to identify and implement joint initiatives that align with their mission and strategic goals. Further details on specific projects and next steps will be shared in the coming months.
Together, AFS and Federation EIL look forward to expanding opportunities for young people, educators, and volunteers worldwide, reinforcing their shared commitment to intercultural learning and global citizenship.
About Federation EIL
Federation EIL (FEIL) is a global network of international exchange organizations that share a common mission, vision and educational goals. Federation EIL members are non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organizations.
The mission of the Federation EIL is to facilitate its member organizations in the lifelong involvement of individuals in intercultural learning experiences. This process helps develop understanding of and respect for people throughout the world.
About AFS Intercultural Programs
AFS Intercultural Programs (AFS) is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
AFS operates a variety of programs: high school study abroad and exchanges for young adults, virtual exchanges, host family programs, volunteer and teacher programs, trainings and events including the AFS Youth Assembly. The vision of AFS is to ensure a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable future by creating more active global citizens: people whose informed, compassionate, and ethical compass drives them to lead lives and make decisions that contribute to a better world.
