1. AFS Intercultural Programmes

2. The Essence of AFS AFS is an educational organisation dedicated to providing enriched learning experiences that promote intercultural awareness, tolerance and communication. By providing immersive learning experiences in new environments combined with regular reflection and coaching opportunities, AFS helps participants build solid foundations for the future—whether in their academic careers, entry into the workforce or simply as responsible and tolerant members of the larger community. Over 10,000 New Zealanders have studied abroad through AFS and another 10,000 AFS students have been hosted in New Zealand since 1947.

3. The impact of an AFS Exchange http://www.afs.org.nz/ - video of students Experience another culture Realise how important it is to know another language Expanding minds Acceptance of others Better understanding of the culture of language

4. The impact of an AFS Exchange By helping individuals develop more effective communication skills and improve their understanding of the unfamiliar, AFS gives its participants, host families and connected audiences better insights into the perspectives of people from other cultures.

5. Career & Academic Choices Research has shown that AFS alumni have more diversity in their professional and social networks. They are also significantly more likely than their peers to have careers that involve working extensively with other cultures.

6. Language Skills The ability to speak and use a foreign language provides countless advantages in the workforce as well as in everyday life. The type of immersive experience provided by AFS exchange programmes is one of the most effective ways to learn another language. Over 70% of AFS Participants achieved fluency in another language after the completion of a year studying abroad.

7. Intercultural Sensitivity People who take part in AFS exchange programmes show increased intercultural development and more global awareness.

8. Personal Development and Growth AFS Participants experience dramatically lowered feelings of anxiety in new environments as a result of their time abroad. Not only do they feel more comfortable around people from other cultures, they are much less likely to view the world in terms of "them" and "us."

9. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, we are challenged more than ever before to expand our knowledge and attitudes in order to successfully participate in the emerging global community.

10. Educational Results The Assessment of the Impact of an AFS Experience was an independent research study conducted in 2005 by Dr Mitchell R. Hammer in partnership with AFS. Thousands of students around the world were evaluated before, during and after the programme. Compared to a control group of their peers, AFS participants made significant improvements in language fluency, their knowledge of other cultures and their ability to forge intercultural friendships.

11. How?

12. What is Educational Advantage? It’s an opportunity to invite and host an educator from another country who can bring real-life language and culture to your students and colleagues.

13. Why? Schools have a new language and cultural resource Introduce or enhance language programmes Build relationships with schools overseas Develop School Exchanges Give students real-life experiences

14. What do the participants want? To observe and learn new teaching methods Work with NZ teachers and students Do some teaching

15. Share language, culture and resources

16. Learn about our culture Often, see a bit of NZ Live with a host family

17. Prapan from Thailand and Kusum from India 2013

18. Information: Educational Advantage open Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EducationalAdvantageAFS Educational Advantage website: http://www.afs.org.nz/educators/educational-advantage/ AFS and Intercultural Research: http://www.afs.org/afs-and-intercultural-learning/research/ AFS Educational Goals: http://www.afs.org/afs-and-intercultural-learning/afs- educational-goals/ Language Immersion Awards: https://www.facebook.com/LanguageImmersionAward http://www.afs.org.nz/educators/lia/

19. prue.elwood@afs.org