Most students typically go abroad to study and earn credit for college courses, but students involved in the AFS Intercultural Program/USA travel overseas to work in community service programs.
AFS, formerly called American Field Service, gives students the chance to make a difference in other countries by offering 128 different exchange programs in community service and volunteer work in more than 40 countries around the world. AFS also offers scholarship assistance for its programs.
“We’re finding that many students want to expand their education and resumes,” said Christine Vogel, vice president of operations & marketing for AFS. “They’re looking for educational experiences abroad which, when combined with community service, enable them to build their intercultural communication skills, learn or improve a second language and expand their sense of self-confidence, while building their resumes and preparing to live and work in a more global economy.”
One special program, the AFS 18+ Program, is designed exclusively for students between the ages of 18 and 24 and provides an educational experience by focusing on volunteer work and community service.
“We currently have more than 20 AFS 18+ Programs in locations such as France, Thailand and in the Amazon in Brazil,” said Mary Gibson, an advisor for AFS. “We try to design out trips based on what students put on their applications and what they indicate as their interests.”
To help students become involved in these program, AFS offers scholarships which are available to anyone that is qualified. World Citizen Scholarships are offered exclusively for those who go on 18+ trips.
“We provide more than $1 million in financial and scholarship aid each year,” said Marlene Baker, spokeswoman for AFS. “On the average, we award full to partial funding to more than 40 percent that apply.”
The scholarships are based on prior demonstrations of community service, academic accomplishments and a need for financial assistance. Baker added that additional scholarships are available for all who apply, depending on which country and volunteer program is chosen by the applicant.
The different programs range in length and duration based on their location and the community service projects that are done. The programs run as summer, semester or year-long experiences.
