You're only limited by your imagination, and AFS opens up a world of adventure by offering exchange programs in 55 countries. AFS programs present a variety of choices, allowing nearly 10,000 participants annually to adjust program focus according to their individual needs.
The Year Program (YP), far and away AFS's most popular option for high school students 16 to 18 years of age, is a year-long educational exploration of another country's culture. The AFS Year Program student lives with a host family attends a local school and becomes involved in community activities. Students completely immerse themselves in another culture by nurturing relationships with the local community, speaking the local language and taking part in their daily routines. Host school attendance is required, not optional, for Year Program participants.
The Community Service Program (CS), allows young people between 18 and 28 to experience intercultural exchange by working with a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to healthcare, education, social welfare, environmental protection and other pressing human issues in the host country. The participants generally spend three to six months working with the NGO and live with a host family. In addition AFS provides language instruction and supports the participants in adjusting to the new culture.
The Vocational Program (VP), allows young people between 18 and 28 to gain practical work experience due to an internship in their chosen professional area and so enhance their skills. The Vocational Program merges work experience in an intercultural context including life with a host family and accelerated language study for a month.
Hosting a young AFS axchenge student from another country is a challenge, a unique opportunity for a Belgian host family to learn about a foreign culture and to make a rich intercultural experience. The family provides room and board but the major aim of this program is to share family live with the exchange student and consider him or her as a member of the family.
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