AFS 2008 Applications for Malaysia

Thanks to evening_go_jogging for highlighting it over at ReCom.org , The Worldwide Malaysian Students Network here

For those of age 15 to 17 years old, there is a great opportunity for you to take part in AFS Exchange Program (AFS AntaraBudaya Malaysia). The deadline would be on 30th April 2008. For more details, go to AFS's Website .

Call 03 77224866 or 7725 4966 for more information.

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Why Settle Just for Traveling? Respecting Differences
See the world through AFS!

Following are the High School Program AFS Malaysia is offering:

Year Program Intensive Program Semester Program

AFS is an inter cultural exchange program and not a study program. You would be able to gain knowledge such as inter-cultural skills, communication skills and learn to be more independent from going on this program. Education beyond classroom!

Year Program
One year exchange school program where students will be placed with a local family and go to a local school.

Intensive Program
4 weeks – 2 months exchange school program where students will be placed with a local family and go to a local school.

Semester Program
The Semester ( YES Program) provides full scholarships for a semester of living and studying in the U.S.
Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in school and community activities, and volunteer with local organizations. They learn about American society and values while helping to educate Americans about the customs and culture of their homelands. The YES program focuses on leadership and works with these students during the school year to develop their leadership skills.

YES students are selected in an open, merit-based selection process. The three-tiered selection process includes a written application and in-person interview. A final screening takes place in front of a national selection committee.

What students MUST consider when considering country options:

1. Students applying should be between Form 3 and Form 5 in Malaysian high school.

2. Students applying for the Year Program must currently be in Form 5

3. Most countries insist that we send students who consume meat. This is because most families that students will be place with are meat eaters. Students who apply for these countries must be prepared to eat meat for the duration of the program unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor. Muslims students are advised that meat is non-halal and they may abstain from pork

4. Students cannot expect their families to specially prepare separate meals from what is already prepared unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor.

5. Most families have pets, usually dogs or cats. Should a student have pet restrictions, it will be difficult to find placement, unless for medical reasons certified by a doctor. Muslim students are advised that even if they keep their pet restrictions to indoor pets only placements will still be difficult.

6. Japan and Spain request that we send students with basic knowledge of the language.

7. France in particular, expects students to speak basic French. This means that the student must have at least studied French for two years.

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AFS Statement of Purpose
AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

The Core Values and Attributes of AFS
AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.


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