Now’s the time to complete your pre-application for year, semester and summer programs departing this summer and fall. Programs are closing every week! The majority of our programs close in March, with some exceptions in April & May.

To encourage students to get pre-applications in ‘under the wire’ AFS will extend a $25.00 discount off of the $75.00 pre-application fee for the entire month of March!

Take 15 minutes now and call the Info Center at 1-800-AFS-INFO to submit your pre-application, or contact your local AFS Volunteer. This discount applies only to students who submit their preliminary applications over the phone or through an AFS Volunteer by March 31, 2006 for an available program that departs by September 2006.

Come to Latvia and you'll find a nation of rolling meadows, lush forests, and welcoming people! A unique blend of Baltic and Slavic cultures, Latvia combines a rich past with a promising future. Riga, the 800-year-old capital, is full of distinctive architecture as well as modern businesses in old art nouveau buildings. In May 2004, Latvia proudly became a full member of the European Union. While declared a newly independent state in 1991, Latvia holds onto its old customs, such as strong bonds among family members.

Urban families often like to spend weekends in summer homes, and you'll be invited along as part of the family. You'll also discover the rich home-cooked meals, many of which contain meat and potatoes. Enjoy a study abroad experience in Latvia and discover life in this vibrant culture!

An AFSer named Vince says of his semester long experience in Latvia:

"Latvia is on the verge of feeling like a second home to me...I know enough of the language to communicate necessary ideas in most situations without using a dictionary or speaking in English... As a result, I’m loving every experience I have now; even the little things make me very excited."

Latvia Summer Intensive Russian Language Program
Learn the Russian language in Latvia! This unique and exciting AFS study abroad program includes a month-long immersion in the Russian language (no previous language experience is needed). You'll live with a Russian-speaking family and explore Daugavpils, the second-largest city in Latvia, which is surrounded by forests, lakes, and the Daugava River. You'll attend weekday morning classes at the Daugavpils Language Center, and you'll take part in outdoor and cultural activities during the afternoon. You'll also have the chance to explore the country through sightseeing tours to Latvian cities including Riga, the oldest medieval city still in existence--and to neighboring Lithuania on weekends!

• Eligible birthdate range: July 1980 - July 1991
• AFS also offers high school semester & year programs to Latvia

You don't have to leave home in order to have an AFS adventure in sharing, learning, and fun. Talk to your family about opening your home to an international AFS student! Then complete this quick
on-line Hosting Interest Form or call (800) AFS-INFO.

Carol, a host sister in Iowa, had this to say about her experience:

“Through Janet I have built new friendships with people she has come to know and she has made friends with people whom I know. I have enjoyed her company, her funny British accent, her quiet times, and her not-so-quiet times. It has all been meaningful to me because of our friendship.”

Below are examples of students who will be participating with AFS.

Shingo from Japan:
Shingo is very active in sports. He practices Kendo, a Japanese martial art, three times a week, and is the president of his club. He plays golf, badminton, Judo, and baseball. He likes listening to music and going to the movies. Shingo says that his friends and family would describe him as outgoing and amiable. He is competitive and great at teaching others. His teachers regard him as a bright and active student who always contributes to class lessons. Shingo lives with his younger sister and his parents and they enjoy traveling on the holidays. His father is secretary general at the local hospital. Shingo has traveled to Hawaii and South Korea.

Cornelia from Norway:
A gutsy and spirited person who loves horses ("I ride almost every day"), Cornelia rarely has a drab moment. The youngest of three, she describes herself as open and easy to get to know. She's friendly and fun. "I think my family and friends would say that I have a strong personality." Cornelia, who enjoys hunting, snowboarding and skiing, also does well in the classroom. "Cornelia is a bright and hardworking student," her teacher praises. "She shows a genuine interest in what she does."

Easter is just around the corner. What a great opportunity for you to hold an Easter Egg hunt to raise money for your AFS experience. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors who would be willing to support your adventure. Make it clear you are looking for contributions towards your program fee.

For your Easter Egg hunt, get some plastic eggs. In addition to little candies, insert a piece of paper with an amount of money people will donate once they find the eggs. To entertain your guests, you could also have egg dying and cookie decorations. Don't forget to have a donation basket!

For more fundraising ideas, join our fundraising tele-conference. Details in the right hand column.