The following stories are great examples of AFS-USA programs, students and families featured in the media. You can use these pieces to promote AFS in your area and as inspiration for pitching stories to your own local media outlets!

AFS Exchange Students in Minnesota Reflect on Study Abroad

From learning how to be more independent to discovering diverse cultures and perspectives, several AFS Exchange Students, who were hosted in the Minnesota-area for this past year, shared their experience with a local newspaper before heading back their home countries. Read the full article on Sun Focus.

Celebrating an AFS Host Mother Who Touched Hundreds of Students’ Lives

An AFS Host Mother, who celebrated her 100th birthday recently, was featured in the Washington Post last week. Thelma Kouzes, a resident of Fairfax, V.A., has hosted 174 international exchange students from 34 countries throughout her lifetime, including AFS Students. Visit the Washington Post to learn more about Kouzes’ incredible life.

AFS-USA Hosted YES Students’ Stories

• Shahrazad Meerza, a YES alumna from Kuwait, talks about how her study abroad experience has inspired her to continue giving back even after her exchange. Click here to read her story.
• Houssam Metni, a YES alumnus from Morocco, discusses how his study abroad experience has affected him, particularly as a youth representative at a recent UNESCO conference. Click here to read his full story.
• Shada Abbas, a YES alumna from Israel, reflects on her journey to the U.S. She recounts the memories that she has made this past year, and talks about her future ambitions to return to the U.S. as a medical student. Click here for the full story.
• Joseph Lambe, a YES alumnus from Cameroon, puts his passion for social change into action through a small grants project to improve his community. Click here to read more about his project.

For press release templates and tips on pitching your own articles to local media, please visit the Field Hub.