We have many ways to answer your questions:
1. Call one of our volunteers or our National Office and speak with a representative.
2. On this site use our bulletin boards, where an AFS Advisor will respond to your specific questions.
3. We can connect you (by telephone or email) with students who have already gone abroad–they once had the same questions and concerns as you and can give you good answers and advice.
THE YES PROGRAM WILL BE PROMOTED IN JULY AND WILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS UNTIL OCTOBER. BE ALERT ON THOSE DATES FOR EXACT DETAILS IN OUR WEB PAGE!
Q: How can I study abroad if I don’t have much foreign language experience?
A: Many AFS Participants start with little or no experience in the language of their host country, but they quickly learn to communicate at a basic level. Each day gets better and by the end of their year or semester abroad, many AFS Participants are fluent in their host country’s language. There is no better way to learn a language than by speaking it 24/7! Many AFS programs also offer language instruction to start you off on the right foot.
Q: Do I have to be a straight “A” student to go abroad with AFS?
A: No. Our year and summer programs carry a minimum 50% requirement on a 100% scale. Summer programs do not have a GPA requirement, but students must have a passing grade.
Q: How does AFS provide for my safety and security overseas?
A: AFS is an experienced, worldwide leader in student exchange that has an unparalleled safety record for 60 years. Our primary concern is for the welfare, safety, and security of our student participants. AFS has a professional network of experienced staff and volunteers who provide support in every program country. An AFS situation response management team is in place at all times to monitor events throughout the world and respond in case of crisis. While some AFS programs are curtailed at particular times, AFS has run programs throughout the world, without interruption, since it was founded in 1947.
Q: What can I expect when I get to my host country?
A: You’ll participate in an arrival orientation to introduce you to your new country, as well as to other AFS Participants. You’ll meet your host family who will provide you with your housing, food, and the same care they give their own children. AFS Host Families do not receive monetary compensation. Since this is a new family, language, and culture, there are some adjustments you will have to make. However, you’ll have the support of local AFS Staff and Volunteers, and you’ll learn how to take care of yourself pretty quickly.
Q: Is there anything I won’t be able to do abroad?
A: Yes. AFS has three rules that all participants must agree to:
● No illegal drugs ● No driving ● No hitchhiking
All participants must be law-abiding in their host country. There may be country-specific rules that apply. There also are limits on traveling independently. In a new environment, it’s important to be more aware than you might be at home. And remember: you are a student ambassador for India, so it will be important to act respectfully toward others and to give extra attention to being culturally aware.
Q: Will I be in a big city or a small village?
A: Most students are hosted in small-to medium-sized towns or villages. Families in big cities often live in small apartments, so they don’t have a lot of room for guests. Also, outside the major cities you get a better feel for what a country is really like.
Q: I don’t have much money and my parents can’t pay the entire program fee. Can AFS help?
A: Yes, if you’re willing to help raise the money you need. The first step is to get started in the application process and enter into the selection process. You’ll then have the opportunity to compete for a full or partial scholarship. Check out Financing Your AFS Experience, which is full of great ideas. Currently AFS India provides scholarships to more than 50 percent of our participants.
An important note: if you let AFS select your destination country, you may become eligible for additional scholarships and financial aid. Check out our Scholarships and Financial Aid
Q: Does AFS provide spending money?
A: No. However, AFS provides suggestions on how much money you should bring. Your AFS tuition covers meals, housing, international airfare, travel to your host family when you arrive in your host country, and more. Certain types of scholarships do consider a stipend money when you are in the program. Check out the What Does AFS Provide?
Q: I’m insured by my family’s medical plan. Why do I need secondary medical coverage?
A: It is part of our commitment to your safety and welfare. This additional coverage ensures that, in an emergency, you can be treated as soon as possible, anywhere in the world. This secondary medical coverage is a prerequisite for your participation.
Q: Will my high school accept academic credit from a high school abroad?
A: Most high schools will give you academic credit for all or part of your AFS experience abroad. However, having all the materials your school needs to process the transfer of needed credits is your responsibility. Make sure you talk to one of our volunteers about your school’s specific guidelines. For tips and guidelines, go to our forum site
Q: I’m over 18. Are there any AFS programs for me?
A: Absolutely. As a participant in an 18+ & Community Service Program, you can experience a new culture by volunteering with a community-based organization. AFS 18+ University Study Programs in Panamá and Argentina combine coursework with cultural programs. And some Summer Homestay Programs like the community service program in the United Kingdom are open to high school graduates and older students.
Q: I’ve never really traveled. Will I be able to fit in with people my age in another country?
A: This is a common concern of participants. The simple answer is yes, you’ll fit in fine–and we’ll help you out too. This site lets you chat with AFS Returnees about their experiences abroad or with other students getting ready to go abroad.
Q: This is such a big step. How do I talk to my parents about it?
A: The decision to study and live abroad takes a lot of thought. Your parents are bound to have a lot of questions. They’ll want to know about AFS, how serious you are about the program, where you want to go, what you’ll do there, and especially what you hope to gain from the experience. We can help with some of those questions, and we can also put them in touch with other parents whose children have studied abroad with AFS. Ask them to call our AFS volunteers near your city who can help.
