Bridging borders: official recognition, impact stories, and global news

 

Forward Share Repost AFS Costa Rica declared Meritorious Institution by the national government AFS Costa Rica has been officially designated as a Meritorious Institution of Costa Rican Education and Culture. This prestigious honor, the highest of its kind, recognizes the significance of AFS for the country’s cultural identity, and the decades of impact in developing human capital and global citizenship. “May every person who sees the name of AFS remember that in Costa Rica we believe in peace, we believe in youth, and, above all, we believe in the transformative power of learning to live together,” said Priscilla Perez Vargas, Chair of AFS Costa Rica at the official ceremony. Watch the official ceremony, attended by the President of Parliament and high-level dignitaries. AFS in Action Global Classroom resources: cross-cultural teaching strategies The latest newsletter for educators focuses on the specific methods that define effective teaching across different cultures. It features insights from educators in Colombia, Indonesia, Spain, and Ghana, while examining how Italian schools prepare students for future citizenship. Read more and subscribe here to join our global community of practice. Celebrating volunteers worldwide AFS is marking International Volunteer Year to honor our 35,000 global volunteers and inspire others to join. This month, our global campaign highlights the "superpowers" gained through service. Share how volunteering has impacted you and contact AFS in your country to get involved. Global Up partnerships expand The University of Vermont (UVM) and Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) have partnered with AFS Costa Rica and Ireland to expand the Global Up program. This initiative uses a flipped-classroom model to help faculty-led groups and 43 Irish educators move beyond basic cultural exposure into deeper, facilitated reflection. AFS and UNITAR partner for the Youth Assembly AFS and UN Institute for Training and Research are collaborating for the 31st Youth Assembly in Geneva this August. The event provides training in multilateral diplomacy and global governance, building on AFS's consultative status with UNESCO and UN ECOSOC. Applications are open for young leaders ages 18–35. Find out more and watch the recording of the partnership launch. Showcasing the impact of youth leadership The latest Impact Report shows how the AFS Youth Assembly has become a platform for youth-led solutions. Last year, the Alumni Impact Network Fund awarded $7,300 to 16 projects, benefiting 9,000 people and providing mentorship to 75 alumni. The launch of the Global Youth Responsibility Alliance (GYRA) also highlighted the network’s ability to collaborate across regions for social impact. New UN Global Citizenship Training Program Young people interested in diplomacy and international affairs can join a week-long program in New York City from August 31 to September 4, 2026. Organized with UNITAR, the training focuses on global citizenship and provides the skills needed to lead in international professional environments. Apply now. Worldwide AFS News: The AFS Chile National Volunteer Meeting recently gathered over 100 participants and international guests to celebrate the International Year of Volunteers through professional development. AFS Dominican Republic also held its 2026 Annual General Meeting to report on strategic growth and honor institutional milestones, including the presentation of the Galatti Nacional Award to Raisa Gil de Fondeur. Throughout March, AFS-USA celebrated Host Family Appreciation Month by centering the authentic, lived experiences of host families and students across its digital platforms. This way AFS-USA ensures the transformative power of hosting is visible, relatable, and accessible to a global audience. This August, InterCultur (the non-profit subsidiary of AFS Germany) will host the Intercultural Trainer Academy in Hamburg, offering an intensive 10-day certification program for aspiring intercultural educators. Register now at intercultur.de. AFS Japan and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) convened host school representatives to reflect on the 2025 Asian High School Student Bridge Project. The meeting focused on sharing best practices and fostering community collaboration to enhance international education. AFS Poland is spearheading a nationwide movement to integrate educational mobility into the formal Polish curriculum. In collaboration with regional educational authorities, the organization hosted high-level conferences advocating for the systemic recognition of competencies gained through intercultural exchange. 20 Board Members and National Directors from seven AFS organizations across Latin America and Spain gathered in Guatemala for high-level governance training. The summit focused on strengthening regional ties, sharing best practices, and aligning strategic goals for the future. Join the upcoming Global Circles rounds by AFS’s subsidiary, Soliya, a pro-facilitated, accelerated dialogue where your voice matters on the global issues. Topics for sessions on May 4-15, 2026 include “Does information have any value in the age of AI?” and “Beyond the headlines: human connections in a time of war.” Register by April 19, 2026. Meet us at these upcoming events From principles to practice: intercultural learning as a pathway to meaningful youth participation in the United Nations. UN ECOSOC Youth Forum - Side event organized by AFS Intercultural Programs April 15, 2026 | Online Register now. Cultnet Meeting by Durham University April 15-17, 2026 in Durham, UK Learn more. Global Respectful Disruption Summit organized by COMPEAR.org and GoAbroad.com April 24, 2026 | Online Register now. The NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo May 26–29, 2026 in Orlando, Florida, USA Register now.