The American Field Service (AFS) started in 1914 as a volunteer ambulance corps. The ambulance drivers of the American field service assisted wounded soldiers and civilians during World War I and II.

Their mission was one of compassion and service to mankind During World War II, the American field service, an 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 towards changing the world's forces from hostility to friendship. The ambulance drivers therefore instituted student exchange programs as a means of realizing their vision of a world where there would be mutual under-standing among people of diverse Culture.

AFS started operating student exchange programs in Ghana from 1967 under the name AFS Ghana. Over the years, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to embark on the intercultural exchange programs in Ghana.

AFS worldwide has included other programs which involve people who fall outside the secondary school age. In 1989, AFS Ghana registered as an independent partner in a network of over 60 countries under the name Intercultural Exchange Programs, Ghana.

The name "AFS Ghana" remains an acronym. From a humble idea born from the ashes of war, AFS worldwide today has offices in about 60 countries.

It is a prominent leader in the field of international cultural exchange. Its network International office is in New York.