Intercultura – AFS Portugal is a non-profit Youth and Volunteer association. It has no political, religious or other affiliat ... ions and has the status of Public Utility Institution. It aims to contribute to Peace and Understanding between People through exchanges of young people and families, for Intercultural Learning and Global Education. Since 1956, it has been promoting youth exchanges in Portugal and abroad, and the quality of its programs has made Intercultura-AFS a leader in this area. Intercultura - AFS Portugal is part of the National Register of Youth Associations, recognized by the Secretariat of State for Youth and supported by the Portuguese Youth Institute. The validity of our programs is also recognized by the Ministry of Education. Intercultura – AFS is part of an international network represented in 59 countries and headquartered in New York - USA. Internationally, the AFS network is an official member of UNESCO and, in Portugal, it also represents the European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) and is a member of the National Youth Council (CNJ). Because we believe that mutual knowledge leads people to mutual respect, as well as to the development of a global conscience, we are committed to promoting exchange programs. read more