Driving Change: The Legacy of AFS Volunteers

For this year's AFS Founders' Day, observed on April 7th, we delve into the remarkable origins of the organization during World War I. This episode recounts the story of the American Field Service, where young American volunteers courageously served as ambulance drivers, years before the US even officially entered the war. The journey from those early days to the AFS we know now is filled with wealthy socialites, treacherous drives, at least one unpleasant breakup, and the raw determination of young men facing unimaginable circumstances. In this episode, in conversation with historian Thomas Fife, we will cover the significant expansion of the American Field Service beyond its initial base in Paris, as it became a vital support element for the Allied forces. That same spirit of the original World War I volunteers – that deep desire to connect with people across cultures – is alive and well in AFS volunteers today, whose story is just as vital, though thankfully less dramatic and dangerous. They are the modern-day drivers, working tirelessly to promote intercultural understanding, facilitate life-changing exchanges, and build lasting bridges between communities. Guest: Thomas Fife More from AFS-USA: 🏠 Host a Student | ✈️ Study Abroad | 🤝 Volunteer | 🏫 For Educators | 📧 Contact the Show | 🎧 Collections

You can listen to Driving Change: The Legacy of AFS Volunteers online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Driving Change: The Legacy of AFS Volunteers is an episode from The AFS Exchange by AFS-USA.

This episode is 34:49 long.

This episode was published on Apr 3, 2025.

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