An American In Paris

More than 75 years ago, shortly after the outbreak of World War I, a group of 15 Americans living in Paris volunteered to drive ambulances for the American Hospital there. This group eventually became known as the American Field Service, whose mission was to transport wounded French soldiers from the front lines to mobile medical units. By the end of the war, their number had grown to 2,500 volunteer ambulance drivers. They did not bear arms. Theirs was a mission of compassion, not conflict.

During World War II, the American Field Service's all-civilian volunteer force was stationed in Europe, Syria, North Africa, India and Burma. When the war ended in 1945, AFS volunteers pledged not to abandon their tradition of international service. Compelled to hasten the post-war healing process, they vowed to work toward changing the world's focus from hostility to friendship.

These founders of AFS had an idea that was stunning in its simplicity: If future generations could empathize with and understand their global neighbors, recognizing and appreciating their differences, then perhaps future wars could be avoided.

They began their exchange program modestly in 1947, bringing 51 high school students from 10 countries to the United States for a year-long exchange experience. To then later involve students from such "enemy" nations as Japan and Germany so soon after the war was a daring idea.

Today more than 250,000 participants have taken part in cultural exchanges offered through AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc., the organization formed in 1947 to facilitate student and teacher exchanges -- the realization of the vision of its predecessor, the American Field Service ambulance corps. Just as important, an equal number of host families have opened their hearts and homes to an AFS student, and more than 100,000 volunteers all over the world have generously donated their time and energy to ensure that the programs succeed.

At this very moment, AFS students are learning to understand and speak more than 40 languages. Even more important, they are becoming fluent in the language of tolerance. A humble idea born from the ashes of war, AFS today, with offices in 55 countries, is a preeminent leader in the field of international citizen cultural exchange.