Happy Holidays Everyone~
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a Happy New Year~
I want to give thanks, first, to God and Jesus Christ for being there for me and always sacrificing for me. Without them I don't know where I would be. I want to thank my family for their support and guidance over the years. I also thank my followers for their support!! Thank you all!
Now for my New Years resolution: I want to become closer to God, work out every day from Monday to Friday, and I want to become more confident and driven to reach my goals.
Updates on my abroad:
I have earned up to $1000 in 4 months. I will be able to pay for the $900 deposit!! Thank you everyone who has supported me! I am very moved that I'll be one step closer to go on this exchange program with AFS to Japan.
The difficult part is raising the rest of the money! $14,100......This is going to take some work...but I have faith that I will get some support! I will make a Donors Choose account with my teacher, I still have my Gofundme, I am still recycling for money, Drawing for profit and getting donations randomly from friends and family.
I hope you all keep your eyes on me! Please support! Thank You!! <3 ~
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan - Slowly But Surely
Yolo!! because I can lol
Well you guys know what month it is! December lol and you know what that means! Christmas!!
Yes, Christmas...reminiscing about the year, being thankful for what has happened, gathering with the family, snow, warmth of the lights, the Christmas tree with presents underneath, the food, red and green colored things every where and the New Year. These are all the things that makes December, December right?
All these things are great! I have been in a very good mood this month. You know all my hard work to raise money for my exchange program...I can say that even though it is taking a while to do things, things are coming together. I just need patients to get through this. Lets just say that probably by the end of January I will be able to pay for the first deposit of $900 for my exchange program to Japan!
I am really excited but I can't forget that the program is like $15,000....a lot. That means I will have $14,100 to fund-raise for after I pay the $900. That's so much. But I got this, I love the challenge. This will allow me to grow and be independent by working for what I truly want. If I keep going this way I will have a story to tell, meaning I am not going to be like *stuck up/spoiled brat voice* "Yeah...I went to Japan...My parents paid for me to go. Well, it was a good trip.." I will be like "Yes!! It was the greatest thing in life!! Japan is AWESOME!! I had to do this and that and this too to raise allllll that money! It was a lot of work but it was worth it! It was the best thing in life! I will never forget this!" I want this to be an inspiration to others around me so they can try and achieve their goals too.
By the way lets get down to what I have done....
Please pray that I can raise all the money necessary for this wonderful life changing experience and/or make the most amazing scholarship essay ever!!
If you would like to help me out please donate to my gofundme:
http://www.gofundme.com/blk8a0
I really appreciate that you read this! Thank you! Until next time~ Bye ^^
Well you guys know what month it is! December lol and you know what that means! Christmas!!
Yes, Christmas...reminiscing about the year, being thankful for what has happened, gathering with the family, snow, warmth of the lights, the Christmas tree with presents underneath, the food, red and green colored things every where and the New Year. These are all the things that makes December, December right?
All these things are great! I have been in a very good mood this month. You know all my hard work to raise money for my exchange program...I can say that even though it is taking a while to do things, things are coming together. I just need patients to get through this. Lets just say that probably by the end of January I will be able to pay for the first deposit of $900 for my exchange program to Japan!
I am really excited but I can't forget that the program is like $15,000....a lot. That means I will have $14,100 to fund-raise for after I pay the $900. That's so much. But I got this, I love the challenge. This will allow me to grow and be independent by working for what I truly want. If I keep going this way I will have a story to tell, meaning I am not going to be like *stuck up/spoiled brat voice* "Yeah...I went to Japan...My parents paid for me to go. Well, it was a good trip.." I will be like "Yes!! It was the greatest thing in life!! Japan is AWESOME!! I had to do this and that and this too to raise allllll that money! It was a lot of work but it was worth it! It was the best thing in life! I will never forget this!" I want this to be an inspiration to others around me so they can try and achieve their goals too.
By the way lets get down to what I have done....
- I have been selling more drawings since the last time I posted on here
- I have been getting lots of support from my friends and family(they donate)
- Recycling is really amazing you save the earth and get paid for it
- I am working on my Full-scholarship with teachers to make it the best *crossing fingers*
- Since Christmas is in a few more weeks I am getting Christmas money because that is what I asked for!
Please pray that I can raise all the money necessary for this wonderful life changing experience and/or make the most amazing scholarship essay ever!!
If you would like to help me out please donate to my gofundme:
http://www.gofundme.com/blk8a0
I really appreciate that you read this! Thank you! Until next time~ Bye ^^
Monday, November 17, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan - Try Hard
Hello guys long time no see! (^o^)/
Well as you guys may know from the last post, I had to stop my cupcake sales... but I have done my High School Working Papers and am currently looking for a part time job. It's very difficult to find a part-time when you live in a city, you may think its the exact opposite but you are mistaken. Around where I live you need past job experience and have to be 18+ in most places....I am 16 and inexperienced...But I am not Giving up just yet!! I am going to as many stores looking for a good working environment part time job!!
I still have my Gofundme account up and my blogs to draw people in and at school I sell art to students and teacher, which they seem to love. Also, I have been talking with my schools college adviser for scholarships and having her revise my essays. But all in all, I'm not going to stress myself to death 'cause when there is a will there is a way!
Here are my sites and blogs (if you wanna check them out and hopefully contribute):
Gofundme- http://www.gofundme.com/blk8a0
Interesting Facts- themoreyouknowjapan.blogspot.com
Deviantart- supergirllaura001.deviantart.com
Friday, October 17, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!! - More to Try
Hello there! ^^
Well let's make a list...I tried:
Kickstarter-failed
Indiegogo-failed
Blog:AFS-failed
Bondfire-failed
Cupcakes sale- to low an income
Gofundme-ongoing
Asking for donations-ongoing
Well as you can see I failed quite a lot lol but this isn't going to stop me! I am one of those people that can't cope with failure and that inability to cope makes or breaks me sometimes. Some times failure makes me wallow in shame, pain and sorrow but there are those awesome moments that my failure's shame, pain and sorrow makes me try again and again to get what I want; the second or third time I come around to do what I truly want makes me come back strong and ready for the fight. I am also very motivated by people who try to put me down because I don't only prove to them that I can do this but I also show myself! I am saying this to let you know this goal of mine is making me strong and I believe if you have a goal you are serious about you should also have the same mind set...BE STRONG!
As I said before I have failed a lot of times already on the online donation things; so I have started to fill out my school working papers so I can go out and look for a part time job after school. That means I have to stop making cupcakes...I won't have enough time for that. I will try not to stress myself out with school, homework, work and home...Please pray that I'm able to get through this and be able to find a good suitable job.
Well let's make a list...I tried:
Kickstarter-failed
Indiegogo-failed
Blog:AFS-failed
Bondfire-failed
Cupcakes sale- to low an income
Gofundme-ongoing
Asking for donations-ongoing
Well as you can see I failed quite a lot lol but this isn't going to stop me! I am one of those people that can't cope with failure and that inability to cope makes or breaks me sometimes. Some times failure makes me wallow in shame, pain and sorrow but there are those awesome moments that my failure's shame, pain and sorrow makes me try again and again to get what I want; the second or third time I come around to do what I truly want makes me come back strong and ready for the fight. I am also very motivated by people who try to put me down because I don't only prove to them that I can do this but I also show myself! I am saying this to let you know this goal of mine is making me strong and I believe if you have a goal you are serious about you should also have the same mind set...BE STRONG!
As I said before I have failed a lot of times already on the online donation things; so I have started to fill out my school working papers so I can go out and look for a part time job after school. That means I have to stop making cupcakes...I won't have enough time for that. I will try not to stress myself out with school, homework, work and home...Please pray that I'm able to get through this and be able to find a good suitable job.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!!-My Fundraising sites..
Many of you guys wanted me to just make a post about my fundraising sites, so here we go! Enjoy...
I have done a few fundraising most of them online..I have used Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Gofundme etc.
Lets start with Kickstarter. Lets make this clear...Kickstarter is an "all-or-nothing" organization so if you don't reach your goal it is impossible for you to get the money you have risen if you didn't reach your goal......which personally I think is..stupid, for a lack of better words. Fundraising sites usually only gives you a certain amount of time to raise all the money you need, in the case of Kickstarter only 2 months. My Kickstarter finished a while back and I wasn't successful in reaching my goal. So the money I raised I was not able to receive. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1932689328/life-in-japan
Indiegogo is a flexible organization you can make your project into an "all-or-nothing" or "flexible" project. But Indiegogo is not very popular compared to Kickstarter. It also has a certain amount of time you get to raise the amount of money you want, 2 months. I put my project for Indiegogo as flexible and it has finished a while back too. I did receive my donations which was good. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/life-in-japan/x/8081920
I am using Gofundme right now. Gofundme is pretty good. You get to deactivate it when you are done with your project! I find that very helpful lol http://www.gofundme.com/b1k8a0
In the case for AFS the donation gadget is very good. The "Sponsor an AFSer" is a non-tax deductible was to donate and raise the money for the tuition amazingly lol which is a plus. But right now my gadget is not connected since I rolled over my application! I have to wait till 2015 for the gadget to be re attached. http://fundmehelpme.blogspot.com/
Bonfire is a fundraising site that allows both the supporter and the fundraiser to receive something. They give you a certain amount of time to fundraise as well. I only have 21 days...well 17 days left to sell at least 10 shirts. Also you have to make a logo..that's the point..to sell your idea basically lol you can either make it on the site or make it yourself. I made my logo myself, from my mind. I haven't sold anything yet though... https://www.bonfirefunds.com/life-in-japan
I hope this gave you an idea of the things I've done so far.. (only online though)
Just keep in mind that you need to share your sites around, everywhere, and not be shy to tell everyone that you know about your sites! Good luck to everyone who is trying fundraising sites and other fundraising methods...its not easy...God bless...^^
I have done a few fundraising most of them online..I have used Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Gofundme etc.
Lets start with Kickstarter. Lets make this clear...Kickstarter is an "all-or-nothing" organization so if you don't reach your goal it is impossible for you to get the money you have risen if you didn't reach your goal......which personally I think is..stupid, for a lack of better words. Fundraising sites usually only gives you a certain amount of time to raise all the money you need, in the case of Kickstarter only 2 months. My Kickstarter finished a while back and I wasn't successful in reaching my goal. So the money I raised I was not able to receive. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1932689328/life-in-japan
Indiegogo is a flexible organization you can make your project into an "all-or-nothing" or "flexible" project. But Indiegogo is not very popular compared to Kickstarter. It also has a certain amount of time you get to raise the amount of money you want, 2 months. I put my project for Indiegogo as flexible and it has finished a while back too. I did receive my donations which was good. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/life-in-japan/x/8081920
I am using Gofundme right now. Gofundme is pretty good. You get to deactivate it when you are done with your project! I find that very helpful lol http://www.gofundme.com/b1k8a0
In the case for AFS the donation gadget is very good. The "Sponsor an AFSer" is a non-tax deductible was to donate and raise the money for the tuition amazingly lol which is a plus. But right now my gadget is not connected since I rolled over my application! I have to wait till 2015 for the gadget to be re attached. http://fundmehelpme.blogspot.com/
Bonfire is a fundraising site that allows both the supporter and the fundraiser to receive something. They give you a certain amount of time to fundraise as well. I only have 21 days...well 17 days left to sell at least 10 shirts. Also you have to make a logo..that's the point..to sell your idea basically lol you can either make it on the site or make it yourself. I made my logo myself, from my mind. I haven't sold anything yet though... https://www.bonfirefunds.com/life-in-japan
I hope this gave you an idea of the things I've done so far.. (only online though)
Just keep in mind that you need to share your sites around, everywhere, and not be shy to tell everyone that you know about your sites! Good luck to everyone who is trying fundraising sites and other fundraising methods...its not easy...God bless...^^
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!!-In School Fundraising
Hi, you amazing people! ;p
School started for me on September 4th and its been a good start of the year... other than all these hard classes!! T^T
Let me tell you my schedule:
Period 1- Gym
Period 2- Pre-Calculus
Period 3- Health
Period 4- Physics
Period 5- Lunch
Period 6- Spanish
Period 7- U.S. History
Period 8- English Literature
Man! My favorite classes are Gym, Health, Spanish and English Literature! The others are just driving me crazy! But I am going to try my best in all my classes to get 80's + on my report card and stay in a GPA above 3.
Well here is the point to this post lol
I have started to sell cupcakes in school to students and teachers! I started on September 17. I make 2 different sets of cupcakes; small cupcakes for 75 cents and Muffin sized cupcakes for $1.25. The most favored flavor is vanilla and strawberry. I usually take 12 small cupcakes and 3 big cupcakes with me to school. It may take a long time to get a large amount of money together but every day I profit between 5 to 9 dollars. The average amount earned would be about 18 dollars but half goes to buying more supplies and the other half gets put away. I think this is very good. Making and carrying cupcakes is so easy and fun. I suggest anyone who is trying to fundraise for anything should do this!
On another note... I opened a new fundraising project online with a site called Bonfire. You make your own logo and make a shirt (online) and sell it! If you want to check out my design please do and show support by purchasing a shirt! https://www.bonfirefunds.com/life-in-japan
School started for me on September 4th and its been a good start of the year... other than all these hard classes!! T^T
Let me tell you my schedule:
Period 1- Gym
Period 2- Pre-Calculus
Period 3- Health
Period 4- Physics
Period 5- Lunch
Period 6- Spanish
Period 7- U.S. History
Period 8- English Literature
Man! My favorite classes are Gym, Health, Spanish and English Literature! The others are just driving me crazy! But I am going to try my best in all my classes to get 80's + on my report card and stay in a GPA above 3.
Well here is the point to this post lol
I have started to sell cupcakes in school to students and teachers! I started on September 17. I make 2 different sets of cupcakes; small cupcakes for 75 cents and Muffin sized cupcakes for $1.25. The most favored flavor is vanilla and strawberry. I usually take 12 small cupcakes and 3 big cupcakes with me to school. It may take a long time to get a large amount of money together but every day I profit between 5 to 9 dollars. The average amount earned would be about 18 dollars but half goes to buying more supplies and the other half gets put away. I think this is very good. Making and carrying cupcakes is so easy and fun. I suggest anyone who is trying to fundraise for anything should do this!
On another note... I opened a new fundraising project online with a site called Bonfire. You make your own logo and make a shirt (online) and sell it! If you want to check out my design please do and show support by purchasing a shirt! https://www.bonfirefunds.com/life-in-japan
Friday, September 19, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!! - Next Year....
Hi Guys, long time no see! ^^
Things happen for a reason lets just say. I was not able to send my application in on time for the year long exchange program to japan for 2015 to 2016....I was not financially ready meaning I didn't have the money. And no that doesn't mean I stopped my dream or stopped fundraising; I am not going in 2015 but I have rolled my AFS application over for the 2016 program....This will give me time to fundraise some more as much as I want!!
I was a bit upset that I couldn't get the money together for this years program but I am not discouraged! I will try my best this year!! I have been collecting recyclable items to exchange for money, draw pictures for profit and baked cupcakes and sweets to sell in my school! They are working pretty much! ^^
I am pretty excited for many of my friends that are going this year!! I hope they keep this Cat up to date on their explorations!
Things happen for a reason lets just say. I was not able to send my application in on time for the year long exchange program to japan for 2015 to 2016....I was not financially ready meaning I didn't have the money. And no that doesn't mean I stopped my dream or stopped fundraising; I am not going in 2015 but I have rolled my AFS application over for the 2016 program....This will give me time to fundraise some more as much as I want!!
I was a bit upset that I couldn't get the money together for this years program but I am not discouraged! I will try my best this year!! I have been collecting recyclable items to exchange for money, draw pictures for profit and baked cupcakes and sweets to sell in my school! They are working pretty much! ^^
I am pretty excited for many of my friends that are going this year!! I hope they keep this Cat up to date on their explorations!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
How This Car Will Live in Japan!! - Tuition Fundraising
Yo Laura again. The tuition for your foreign exchange program, I think, that will be the most talked about and stressed thing you will discuss with your family, friends and fellow exchange buddies. So I will be talking about different ways you can fundraise.
Well for every AFS program there are different prices for each program, Asian Programs are more expensive and require a high GPA, Latin america are cheaper but none the less have a high price.
There are many ways than one to fund raise and here they are:
Yard Sales: Ask your friends if they had anything they didn't want or need and sell them to your neighbors.
Raffles: If you or your friends are talented you can sell your talent like a painting by selling tickets for maybe 1.50 and which ever ticket gets picked they get the painting. But remember to be willing to talk to people and get the word out to sell tickets.
Local Clubs: If you have any in your area arrange to meet with them and talk. Explain what your goals are, how this will affect your future, and how your experience might be useful to the club.
Yard Work: Ask your neighbors/friends/relatives if they'd be willing to pay you to mow their lawns.This can also apply to cleaning houses, helping to weed/garden or even fix things like computers or bikes.
Tutoring/Babysitting/Working: Working and getting your own money is great and worth it.
Donation Jar: Ask local stores if they are willing to set up a donation jar for your trip. Most may say no but keep trying.
Car Wash: If you have a lot of friends $5 per car can really add up.
Asking: Going door to door and asking for donations may sound a bit ridiculous but if actually works.
Talent Lessons: If you have a talent for classes like math or music you can give lessons to people who want to learn. If you play guitar you can look up guitar lesson price in your neighbor hood and price your lessons 15% below to get a good amount of people.
Fliers: Post at local elementary schools and junior highs. Public posting is expensive. Don't forget things like Craigslist.
Fundraising Dinners: Have a public dinner, inviting many people for free food and give a small speech about your opportunity. This can end up bad or good but you may be able to raise more money than you may expect.
Recycling: Collect bottle caps, bottles, cans and exchange it for money
Craft: Make hand made T-shirts, toys or other cool products to sell st festivals or other events
Webs Sites: Making a Kickstarter, indiegogo or Gofundme accounts are good ways to get the word out. Also making blogs and posting your information on Facebook or other socializing networks are helpful was to bring in more sponsors. Making FaceBook Events make your friends aware as well.
Scholarships: Getting an AFS Scholarship can really help cut the price of your tuition.
Warning: Remember to always explain what the money is for and why its a good opportunity. Just because of this more people will donate.
Well for every AFS program there are different prices for each program, Asian Programs are more expensive and require a high GPA, Latin america are cheaper but none the less have a high price.
There are many ways than one to fund raise and here they are:
Yard Sales: Ask your friends if they had anything they didn't want or need and sell them to your neighbors.
Raffles: If you or your friends are talented you can sell your talent like a painting by selling tickets for maybe 1.50 and which ever ticket gets picked they get the painting. But remember to be willing to talk to people and get the word out to sell tickets.
Local Clubs: If you have any in your area arrange to meet with them and talk. Explain what your goals are, how this will affect your future, and how your experience might be useful to the club.
Yard Work: Ask your neighbors/friends/relatives if they'd be willing to pay you to mow their lawns.This can also apply to cleaning houses, helping to weed/garden or even fix things like computers or bikes.
Tutoring/Babysitting/Working: Working and getting your own money is great and worth it.
Donation Jar: Ask local stores if they are willing to set up a donation jar for your trip. Most may say no but keep trying.
Car Wash: If you have a lot of friends $5 per car can really add up.
Asking: Going door to door and asking for donations may sound a bit ridiculous but if actually works.
Talent Lessons: If you have a talent for classes like math or music you can give lessons to people who want to learn. If you play guitar you can look up guitar lesson price in your neighbor hood and price your lessons 15% below to get a good amount of people.
Fliers: Post at local elementary schools and junior highs. Public posting is expensive. Don't forget things like Craigslist.
Fundraising Dinners: Have a public dinner, inviting many people for free food and give a small speech about your opportunity. This can end up bad or good but you may be able to raise more money than you may expect.
Recycling: Collect bottle caps, bottles, cans and exchange it for money
Craft: Make hand made T-shirts, toys or other cool products to sell st festivals or other events
Webs Sites: Making a Kickstarter, indiegogo or Gofundme accounts are good ways to get the word out. Also making blogs and posting your information on Facebook or other socializing networks are helpful was to bring in more sponsors. Making FaceBook Events make your friends aware as well.
Scholarships: Getting an AFS Scholarship can really help cut the price of your tuition.
Warning: Remember to always explain what the money is for and why its a good opportunity. Just because of this more people will donate.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!! - AFS Application
Laura again! What'sup? So today I will talk about the AFS application, so if you want to sign up, here is instructions to do so.
To apply for an AFS program you should first do your research on where you want to study abroad. Choose three places, First through third choice so you have a back up plan. To let you know you need to pay $75 for the application but you can also pay only $25 if you get the promo-code when you attend an online information session. The application is online not paper documents that you can mail in. There are documents that needs to be printed and filled then scanned and uploaded onto your application online...so lucky for those who have a scanner. If you have any scholarships you are applying to there will be a place to upload it once you notify AFS which scholarship you want to apply for. If you are in a family with financial problems you can also apply for the FAST applications. Also an in home interview is needed to complete your application...it's not a big deal you get a very nice volunteer who asks very simple questions, this is just to get to know you better as a person so they can search for a compatible host family for you when you go abroad. Once you finish your application you need to send in a $900 deposit and no this is not an add on this is deducted from your tuition fee. The application is fairly easy to fill out but give yourself about 2 months or more to finish it before the deadline.
The online application has instructions on how to fill out each page correctly.
Okay now getting into the application: (Remember to complete this with your parent(s))
Cover- For the cover all you have to do is upload a picture of yourself which will be used for your international school ID and will be the first photo your host family will see. Also some basic information will be needed.
Personal- This part is basically more in depth questions about you. This has: CANDIDATE'S LEGAL NAME, ADDRESS FOR MAILING PURPOSES, PASSPORT INFORMATION: FOR VISA PURPOSES, FAMILY MEMBERS, INFORMATION ABOUT PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S), INFORMATION ABOUT PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) AT A DIFFERENT ADDRESS, EMERGENCY CONTACT, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE HOUSEHOLD, AFS CONNECTIONS, PROGRAM PREFERENCE, and COUNTRIES OF PREFERENCE.
Placement- This part also asks many questions about you. This mostly ask questions to help search for a good host family for you. Talks about: MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND HEALTH RESTRICTIONS, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, RELIGION, SMOKING, and LANGUAGES
Health Certificate- This part include a document that you need to print and get it filled out by your pediatrician. There are 3 forms, the third form is not needed if you have never been to a therapist.
Self Intro- This part you have to talk about more personal stuff like your interests and than you have to write a letter to your future host family.
Photo Page- For this page you need to upload 8-12 photos of your friends, your family and you taking part in your favorite activities. You should remember to put captions on the bottom.
Parent Statement- This is another document that needs to be filled out by your parent(s) and a letter by your parent(s) talking about you is needed.
Academic Record- Another document needs to be printed out to be filled out by your school guidance counselor.
Participation Agreement- This is another document that needs to be printed and filled out. But only pages 1-5 has to be uploaded onto the application.
Consent Form- This also needs to be printed, signed and scanned to be uploaded.
Letter of Recommendation- A document that needs to be printed. This is a letter that needs to be written by a teacher or counselor recommending you to the program.
Passport- This page is to know you have a legal and up to date passport and for visa purposes. You also need to upload pictures of your passport.
Scholarship- Any scholarship you applied for will come up last, you need to go to AFS scholarship page to look up the scholarship you want/need and upload the documents.
In-Home Interview- Once you feel you are almost done or already done with your application you need to notify AFS about your interview. This interview is needed for your application to be finished. An AFS volunteer will arrange a date that is convenient for your family and the volunteer. The interview only lasts for 15-20 mins maybe more if questions are asked.
FAST Application- Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) application. There is a fee of $38 for this application. You'll need to fax tax information which will take a week or so to verify and than you will be contacted if you qualify and if you are qualify for a merit-based scholarship.
$900 Deposit- In one of the blue panels at the top of the page says Payments (when you have already started your application) and on the side when you open the page it says Make a Deposit Payment and make the deposit of $900 to send in your application.
I hope this is informational to anyone who is interested. If you have any questions please comment I will answer as best as I can. Thank you for reading.
To apply for an AFS program you should first do your research on where you want to study abroad. Choose three places, First through third choice so you have a back up plan. To let you know you need to pay $75 for the application but you can also pay only $25 if you get the promo-code when you attend an online information session. The application is online not paper documents that you can mail in. There are documents that needs to be printed and filled then scanned and uploaded onto your application online...so lucky for those who have a scanner. If you have any scholarships you are applying to there will be a place to upload it once you notify AFS which scholarship you want to apply for. If you are in a family with financial problems you can also apply for the FAST applications. Also an in home interview is needed to complete your application...it's not a big deal you get a very nice volunteer who asks very simple questions, this is just to get to know you better as a person so they can search for a compatible host family for you when you go abroad. Once you finish your application you need to send in a $900 deposit and no this is not an add on this is deducted from your tuition fee. The application is fairly easy to fill out but give yourself about 2 months or more to finish it before the deadline.
The online application has instructions on how to fill out each page correctly.
Okay now getting into the application: (Remember to complete this with your parent(s))
Cover- For the cover all you have to do is upload a picture of yourself which will be used for your international school ID and will be the first photo your host family will see. Also some basic information will be needed.
Personal- This part is basically more in depth questions about you. This has: CANDIDATE'S LEGAL NAME, ADDRESS FOR MAILING PURPOSES, PASSPORT INFORMATION: FOR VISA PURPOSES, FAMILY MEMBERS, INFORMATION ABOUT PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S), INFORMATION ABOUT PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) AT A DIFFERENT ADDRESS, EMERGENCY CONTACT, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE HOUSEHOLD, AFS CONNECTIONS, PROGRAM PREFERENCE, and COUNTRIES OF PREFERENCE.
Placement- This part also asks many questions about you. This mostly ask questions to help search for a good host family for you. Talks about: MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND HEALTH RESTRICTIONS, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, RELIGION, SMOKING, and LANGUAGES
Health Certificate- This part include a document that you need to print and get it filled out by your pediatrician. There are 3 forms, the third form is not needed if you have never been to a therapist.
Self Intro- This part you have to talk about more personal stuff like your interests and than you have to write a letter to your future host family.
Photo Page- For this page you need to upload 8-12 photos of your friends, your family and you taking part in your favorite activities. You should remember to put captions on the bottom.
Parent Statement- This is another document that needs to be filled out by your parent(s) and a letter by your parent(s) talking about you is needed.
Academic Record- Another document needs to be printed out to be filled out by your school guidance counselor.
Participation Agreement- This is another document that needs to be printed and filled out. But only pages 1-5 has to be uploaded onto the application.
Consent Form- This also needs to be printed, signed and scanned to be uploaded.
Letter of Recommendation- A document that needs to be printed. This is a letter that needs to be written by a teacher or counselor recommending you to the program.
Passport- This page is to know you have a legal and up to date passport and for visa purposes. You also need to upload pictures of your passport.
Scholarship- Any scholarship you applied for will come up last, you need to go to AFS scholarship page to look up the scholarship you want/need and upload the documents.
In-Home Interview- Once you feel you are almost done or already done with your application you need to notify AFS about your interview. This interview is needed for your application to be finished. An AFS volunteer will arrange a date that is convenient for your family and the volunteer. The interview only lasts for 15-20 mins maybe more if questions are asked.
FAST Application- Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) application. There is a fee of $38 for this application. You'll need to fax tax information which will take a week or so to verify and than you will be contacted if you qualify and if you are qualify for a merit-based scholarship.
$900 Deposit- In one of the blue panels at the top of the page says Payments (when you have already started your application) and on the side when you open the page it says Make a Deposit Payment and make the deposit of $900 to send in your application.
I hope this is informational to anyone who is interested. If you have any questions please comment I will answer as best as I can. Thank you for reading.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!! - Why I Want to Study Abroad/How I Found Out About AFS
Hello! Laura here! ^^ Some of you guys were wondering why I want to study abroad and found out about the AFS organization. I will talk about each separately, this may be a lengthy post but bare with me. ^_^
Well as many of you know I want to study abroad in Japan. Ever since I was little I loved Asian countries and I still do. It first started with the Indian culture and clothes, than I started moving East loving china...but than I came across this tiny country off the coast of Korea, Japan. As I found out more about it I asked more question and did more research. My passion started off with anime and manga, my cousins and uncles showed me but I didn't like them as much until I was in 6th through 8th grade where there were other kids my age that liked them too. Anime and manga sparked a light in me that I wanted to draw and perfect my skills which I believe I did. After 6th I thought about the weird language in the anime I was watching, Japanese, and thought how cool it was, I started by mocking them. When I was in 8th grade I began serious Japanese studying in the summer which was very difficult. Once I was in 9th grade I was wondering why cant I go to Japan and experience everything it has. I researched in school about Japan and how I can live there for a while and came across studying abroad. I don't want to study abroad off of the information I gathered from anime but because I love the opposites I have with Japan, the culture, trends, traditions, lifestyle, history and much more, everything about japan grabs my attention.
By the end of my Freshmen year, I began looking up more information about studying abroad and one day when I was one YouTube an advertisement came up stating "Do you want to be an exchange student? AFS Exchange Program" At first I was like this is a scam....but than I clicked and checked it out, I showed my mom she told me to do my research and I did. I requested the catalog and did more research in school during my 10th grade with my counselor and my mom. I talked to many of my favorite teachers about it. My mom was hesitant but she helped me out. I drew pictures and sold my drawing for funding. I got in touch with AFS asking many questions and attended many online information sessions which really helped and at the end of my sophomore year I signed up for the program when I knew I was serious about it. I am almost done with my application meaning I am getting closer to my goal.
Well as many of you know I want to study abroad in Japan. Ever since I was little I loved Asian countries and I still do. It first started with the Indian culture and clothes, than I started moving East loving china...but than I came across this tiny country off the coast of Korea, Japan. As I found out more about it I asked more question and did more research. My passion started off with anime and manga, my cousins and uncles showed me but I didn't like them as much until I was in 6th through 8th grade where there were other kids my age that liked them too. Anime and manga sparked a light in me that I wanted to draw and perfect my skills which I believe I did. After 6th I thought about the weird language in the anime I was watching, Japanese, and thought how cool it was, I started by mocking them. When I was in 8th grade I began serious Japanese studying in the summer which was very difficult. Once I was in 9th grade I was wondering why cant I go to Japan and experience everything it has. I researched in school about Japan and how I can live there for a while and came across studying abroad. I don't want to study abroad off of the information I gathered from anime but because I love the opposites I have with Japan, the culture, trends, traditions, lifestyle, history and much more, everything about japan grabs my attention.
By the end of my Freshmen year, I began looking up more information about studying abroad and one day when I was one YouTube an advertisement came up stating "Do you want to be an exchange student? AFS Exchange Program" At first I was like this is a scam....but than I clicked and checked it out, I showed my mom she told me to do my research and I did. I requested the catalog and did more research in school during my 10th grade with my counselor and my mom. I talked to many of my favorite teachers about it. My mom was hesitant but she helped me out. I drew pictures and sold my drawing for funding. I got in touch with AFS asking many questions and attended many online information sessions which really helped and at the end of my sophomore year I signed up for the program when I knew I was serious about it. I am almost done with my application meaning I am getting closer to my goal.
How This Cat Will Live in Japan!!
Hi, Laura Here! ^^ Well I just want to say if I were an animal I consider myself a cat...meh who knows though. Well here is this page I am making to let you in on my journey as I make my way to my dream of being an exchange student in Japan. I put the title as "How This Cat Will Live in Japan" because...well...I want to be unique instead of just writing "Laura in Japan" or "Gaijin in Japan" or something like that. I hope you have fun with this....I am not good with technology and still learning about the blog thing....soooooo I really don't know if I am doing anything right with this...but hey I'm trying ^^''' But please follow me on this adventure. I will tell you about everything I'm doing from filling out my application, placement, fundraising, orientation, departure, etc. All the works! So thanks for reading...I'll figure this stuff out soon with the blog.
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