Be the person you wish you’d had before going abroad.
A first experience abroad can bring up a lot of questions. What should I expect when I arrive? How do I find my footing in a new place? Who can I talk to when I’m unsure?
As an AAF Community Champion, you can share what you’ve learned, help a student prepare, or make an introduction that opens a door. We’re launching the program with Cohort 2 of our Global Experience Grants and inviting alumni, professionals, and people with international experience to be part of it.
how you can help
Share your experience. Have a one-time conversation about what surprised you abroad, what helped you adjust, or what you wish you’d known before leaving.
Mentor a student. Help a student prepare before departure, check in while they’re abroad, and give them space to reflect when they return.
Make an introduction. Connect a student with someone who knows their destination, works in a field they’re exploring, or can share a perspective they’d otherwise have trouble finding.
what happens next?
Fill out a short interest form and tell us about your experience, how you’d like to help, and how much time you can offer. As we prepare for Cohort 2, we’ll follow up about opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
Community Champions volunteer independently. AAF helps connect volunteers and students. Roles involving direct student contact require a background check, covered by AAF.
Why Your
Involvement
Matters
65% of employers value international experience in hiring (The Forum on Education Abroad)
70% of alumni want to mentor but have never had a meaningful way to do it (AAF Founder Survey, 2026)
23%+ of students cite fear or anxiety as their primary barrier (AAF Founder Survey, 2026)
Higher earnings for students who study abroad — a gap that compounds over a career (The Forum on Education Abroad)