I sent my 16yr old daughter abroad with AFS(Costa rica for6 mo.).I also have spent time with many of the students that have come to our suburban Maryland town through AFS. My feeling about AFS is that the experience is different for everyone. Our AFS tries to provide support and education to prepare and support the kids but depending on where and who you are placed with you have more or less. It's like life - some good/some bad. However ,all the kids come back stronger, more confident ,independant and aware in ways that they would not be otherwise. All in all it is a good group with a good cause. My advise is to be prepared to advocate for yourself and to speak up and activly seek involvement when you travel Those are the kids who seem to do well.
