The Federation of AFS

organisations in Europe

AFS Exchange Programs EFIL is supported by

Roger Vandendriesschelaan

18

B-1150 Brussels

Belgium

Tel:(+32) 2 514 52 50

Fax:(+32) 2 514 29 29

E-mail: info@efil.be

AFS provides intercultural learning experiences that bring global

cultures together by helping people connect, transforming

the lives of thousands of students, families, and individuals

every year. With exchange programs in more than 110 countries

and a large network of volunteers, educators, and staff, AFS is

committed to helping participants understand their immersion

experiences in a foreign culture.

Since 1947, AFS has given more than 400,000 students and young

adult professionals the opportunity to travel abroad and embark

on personal growth experiences that continue for a lifetime. This

year, the worldwide network of AFS Volunteers will work with

almost 13,000 students—each looking for an exciting and educa-

tional international experience.

AFS exchange programmes include short and long term exchanges

and community service stays.

Each of the programme participants receives thorough preparation

and support throughout the exchange, in particular focusing on

enhancing their global citizenship and intercultural learning

processes.

The AFS orientation cycle consists of support to the learning of

participants during preparation before the exchange, the hosting

phase and after coming back to their home country. This support

is provided mainly by AFS volunteers and includes ongoing contact

with participants and ‘orientation events’, namely structured non

formal education activities and facilitated personal reflection.

What is EFIL?

What is AFS?

ECTP - European Citizenship Trimester

Programme EFIL, the European Federation for Intercultural learn-

ing, is the umbrella organisation of 28 AFS organisa-

tions in Europe. As a global education network, EFIL

supports its members in establishing programmes that bridge the gap

between the training provided by most educational systems and the

intercultural skills and global perspectives needed to foster a harmo-

nious world. EFIL promotes intercultural understanding among coun-

tries, organisations and citizens, and actively helps its members to

operate within the European environment. EFIL support its partners

in four different ways: organising Training and Seminars; imple-

menting Projects and Programmes; Advocacy on European level and

future Partner Development in European countries.

AFS Intercultural Programs (formerly American Field

Service) is a non-profit, volunteer based, educational

organisation offering intercultural exchanges for

young people. AFS is present in more than 50 countries in the world

and operating in 110. AFS traces its roots back to volunteer ambu-

lance drivers who provided their services during two World Wars. In

1947, acting from a belief that mutual understanding favor peace, they

set up AFS Intercultural Programs to start youth exchanges. The aim of

the organisation AFS is to connect people who enjoy social interac-

tion, acquire new knowledge and come to know other cultures. AFS

enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace

and understanding in a diverse world. AFS seeks to affirm faith in the

dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and

cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental

freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or

social status.

Brussels Camp

At the end of their stay, just before coming back home, all partici-

pants will meet at the ECTP Camp in Brussels. For the students the

four-day-camp in the capital of Europe will be one of the highlights

of their journey. During the camp, participants will have the oppor-

tunity to share their experiences with other ECTP students from

various European countries, attend workshops on European and

Active Citizenship and visit the EU institutions in Brussels.

What?

The European Citizenship Trimester Programme (ECTP) is a host-

family and school-based exchange programme with an additional

strong focus on active European citizenship besides intercultural

and language learning. The 3 month exchange takes place between

August and November with a joint Camp in Brussels at the end of

November/beginning of December, before the students are

returning to their home countries.

Why?

ECTP will let the students experience a new European country, its

language, culture, life, school, habits and make them think about

differences and similarities with their home country. Either hosted

in a neighboring country or somewhere very far to their place of

origin, the ECTP will reveal to participants a whole new world! This

experience makes the students see many opportunities around

Europe and motivate them to be Active Citizens in their future.

Who?

Students between 15 and 18 years old.

www.ectp.eu

Objectives

Appreciate

European

Diversity

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014&2015

2016

107 participants

141 participants

169 participants

193 participants

178 participants

240 participants

260 participants

from 25 countries

Recognise and

implement Active

Citizenship

throughout the

exchange

A language

learning

opportunity

Develop a wider

concept of Europe

www.afs.org

www.efil.afs.org