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.
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