The Year Program is for one academic year, during which time AFS students live with a host family and attend a local school in the host country. Experienced AFS volunteers support the students and host families during the program, helping them adjust to the new language and culture.
The AFS participation fee covers round-trip international and local airfare, and medical insurance. No school tuition fee is paid by AFS student.
Limited financial assistance is available to families by application, and some merit or need based scholarships are available.
Before AFS students depart for your host country, AFS will assist in arranging for re-entry to Hong Kong schools. Most schools are willing to re-admit students after their year abroad. Students from more than 220 Hong Kong schools have participated in AFS programs.
Candidates for the year program should be between 15 and 18.8 years old on the date of arrival in their host country though the age requirements vary from country to country.
Where can I go as an AFS student?
August through next July: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands and USA.
March through next February: Japan
What kind of student can be an AFSer?
• Between 15-18.8 years old
• Be motivated to participate in school and host family activities
• Be flexible and tolerant of other cultures
• Be confident in yourself
• Good academic standing
What is the program fee?
The Year Program fee is HK$88,000 (to USA & Canada) or HK$78,000 (to all other countries). This includes airfare, medical insurance, local travel, and orientations. No school tuition fee is paid by AFS student. Food and lodging are provided by voluntary host families.
What if I cannot afford the program fee?
Limited financial aid is available to students in need. Early applications are encouraged, in writing.
What scholarships does AFS offer?
Corporate Scholarships: If your parent is a full-time employee of an AFS corporate sponsor, your program fee may be paid by the company. If your selection results are satisfactory.
What are the procedures for application?
Stage 1
• Submit a preliminary application form, a HK$200 non-refundable application fee, and your school reports from the last 3 years
• Attend an AFS selection day to be interviewed
• Proceed to Stage 2 if selected
Stage 2
• Complete a full application form
• Parents attend an AFS Parents’ Information Session
• AFS volunteers will conduct an interview with the family and student at home
• Students are required to attend all orientations before their departure
After students return from their year abroad, what happens with their schooling?
AFS helps students arrange for re-entry to their current school. Most schools are willing to re-admit AFS students, provided school requirements are met. The final decision rests with the school principal. AFS encourages returned students to become involved with AFS in Hong Kong as volunteers.
Application deadline: 18 March 2011
:
| Europe | Asia | Americas |
|---|---|---|
Overseas Summer Programs:
Students between the ages of 15 and 18.8 can join in several intercultural learning opportunities for the summer. Program topics range from English language learning to environmental awareness.
Summer Programs are available in: Finland, and Japan.
Common components of all AFS secondary school programs are:
• AFS students live with host families selected by AFS. The family homestay provides the opportunity to learn first-hand about the culture as well as to enhance language ability.
• The participation fee includes medical insurance, orientation, and materials for language instruction. Visa fees and travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant. Orientations are provided for students before departure to and upon arrival in the host country.
• Applications must be submitted with a non-refundable HK$200 application fee. AFS will contact you to arrange participation in an interview and orientation.
• Application deadline: 19 March 2010
(Remark: Japan program is full)
| Europe | Asia |
|---|---|