There are a limited number of spaces in each program. Apply early for the widest range of programs, scholarships, and financial aid. Get started now by completing a pre-application. Please take part in local AFS activities and fundraise to prepare.
1. Gather your facts
Check out the country and program descriptions on our web site. Consider what type of program might be right for you–year, semester, or summer. Call 1-800-AFS-INFO to speak with an Info Center Advisor who can answer your questions and discuss your options. Also consider signing up for an Online Info Session. On this website you can chat online with an AFS Info Center Advisor, or visit our bulletin board, where you can meet other students who are interested in studying abroad.
2. Submit your pre-application and apply for your passport
Apply early. It’s easy! Submit your Pre-Application online, by mail or phone. You can pay the $75 application fee by check, credit card, or money order. After we receive your pre-application, we’ll send you a Full Application packet. If you want to complete the full application online, be sure to include your email on your pre-application. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one now.
3. Complete and Submit your application and wait for country guarantee
Complete the Full Application. Remember to apply early for the broadest range of scholarships, financial help, and program availability. If you complete your full application early enough, you will receive a discount on your tuition. Submit your completed full application along with the $500 Tuition deposit. Next, you’ll be interviewed by a local AFS Volunteer. Your local volunteer can help you and your family think about fundraising activities for the balance of your tuition. After your application is reviwed by AFS-USA, it will be sent to the AFS Partner Country in which you’ve indicated interest and for which you qualify. After the AFS Partner Country guarantees placement, you will be notified. While you are waiting to hear, this is a good time to start fundraising
• If you prefer to wait until you hear whether you will receive a scholarship or financial aid before sending in your $500 Tuition Deposit, you may do so, but please know your application can’t be sent to a country for review and determination until the $500 Tuition Deposit has been received (nor can a spot be held for you).
• If you receive a partial scholarship or financial aid, you must still submit the $500 Tuition Deposit. Partial scholarships and financial aid cannot be applied to the $500 Tuition Deposit.
Q: How long will it take to complete my full application for an AFS program?
A: AFS recommends that you give yourself 2-3 weeks to complete your full application, but it’s really up to you how quickly the application can be finished. We have received applications in less than 48 hours from students responding to a country deadline. The full application is in-depth and requires a visit to the doctor, has a form that needs to be completed by a school official, and essays for you and your parents. So, be sure to contact your Application Advisor about program availability and country close dates.
Here is what one student had to say about completing the AFS application process:
• When you receive the full application packet, the amount of paperwork involved may appear daunting . . . However, with patience and perseverance, all of these steps can be accomplished, and the rewards can be immeasurable. -Rebecca, Paraguay
4. Get travel documents in order
This is a very important step! Start as early as you can in securing all the travel documents you will need. You are responsible for getting your own passport and for securing a visa. AFS does NOT issue passports or visas–U.S. Passports are issued by the U.S. Government.; visas are issued by the embassy or consulate of the country where your program will take place. We will provide you with advice, and send you a detailed packet of information on how you can obtain the travel documents you will need to enter and live in your host country. Passports must be submitted for visa stamping prior to departure. Therefore, students should not plan other international travel for approximately two to three months prior to their AFS departure. For more information, speak with your AFS Admissions Advisor.
5. Send Balance of Tuition
Refer to Your AFS Tuition to determine when your tuition is due. Your invoice will reflect all financial aid and scholarships awarded through the invoice date. If you receive a scholarship after you have paid your invoice, we will give you a refund for the scholarship amount. AFS accepts most major credit cards.
6. Learn, Prepare, and Participate
Now’s the time to learn all that you can to help prepare you for life in a new country–and AFS can help. Between your country acceptance and departure, an AFS Volunteer will contact you to help you and your family prepare. You’ll attend an orientation where you will meet people who will answer questions and give you lots of helpful information. And you’ll also meet other students who will study abroad with AFS. It’s your time to share, prepare, and participate. Before you leave, you’ll also learn more by completing an AFS Orientation called Culture Trek. And take time on your own to research the country you’ll be living in.
7. Pack your bags and take off… but don’t forget to write!
We’d love to hear about your experiences and see your photos, too. We may use what you send in an AFS Newsletter, on our web site or in some other way. Visit our AFS Journal page to submit your letters, stories, photos, etc. or send them to:
Attn: Info Center Manager
AFS Info Center
506 SW 6th Ave., 2nd Floor
Portland, OR 97204-1523
Include your name and contact information (home and abroad) so that we can get in touch with you.
