Q1: What is Community Service Program?
Community Service Program is a program designed for young adults, age between 18 to 30 years old who are looking for an opportunity to explore another culture to more than 20 countries across the globe and wish to make a positive contribution to the world through their work and dedication.

AFS Community Service Program participants volunteer to work at local organizations that address community needs, such as helping street children or developing training programs with human rights workers, or are placed at rural hospitals. They are also exposed to new customs, moral ethics and values that challenge them to reflect on their own cultural norms. Projects vary by hosting country and participants’ interests.

Q2: What is AFS?
AFS stands for American Field Service. It started with ambulance drivers during the first and second world wars whose mission was to transport the wounded soldiers. Tired of wars, they decided to do exchanges between countries to promote peace.

AFS Intercultural Programs or is an international non-governmental, non profit organization that promotes intercultural, learning through worldwide exchange programs for students, professionals, workers and families.

AFS files no single flag, represents no single ideology or national objective and speaks no single language. Since its founding by volunteer ambulance drivers of both World Wars, AFS has been a people-to-people movement that transcends national, social, racial, political and religious barriers. It’s now encompasses 55 countries and links over 100,000 volunteers and 30,000 participants from all regions of the world through ideas, experience and humanitarian ideals.

AFS Intercultural Programs operates in Malaysia as Antarabudaya Malaysia (ABM). ABM offers youth (18 years old and above) an opportunity to explore another culture and at the same time making a positive contribution to the world.

Q3: Who can go on Community Service Program?
Anyone who is above 18 years old, has completed high school and has an interest to serve the community can apply to go on this program. The age limit varies to the countries that offer the program, sometimes between 30, 40 or even 50 years old.

Q4: Do I have to pay to go on this program? If yes, how much is the cost?
Yes, there is a program fee that you have to pay to go on this program. The cost would depend on duration, country and program content. Kindly contact AFS Malaysia National Office for program fees information.

Q5: What would the cost cover?
The fee is to cover the following cost: Return international travel Departure tax 24 hour emergency support Screening of host families An experienced support system Orientation programs before departure and in the host country Attendance at school Language camps Medical insurance (pre-existing conditions, optical and dental NOT included) Professional counseling if necessary Program administration and worldwide communication

Q6: Is there any scholarship available?
There is no scholarship available for Community Service Program, but you can always try to approach any corporation on your own to get some financial assistance. AFS Malaysia can assist you with the necessary letters and documents.

Q7: What is the duration of the program? When the program would start?
The program that AFS Malaysia is offering is a 6-week program, from 4 August 2006 – 22 September 2006.

Q8: What are the countries available for this program?
For 2006, the country available for this program is Guatemala. Anyway, if you are interested to go to other countries, you can always contact AFS Malaysia to see if the country of your choice has something to offer to you. We plan to offer more Community Service Programs in the future.

Q9: What are the areas of community service / work available?
There are a lot of areas that you can volunteer in, such as to help the poor and the homeless, to assist in street children development, to promote arts to disabled people, be involve in education,/ health field etc.

Q10: Can I choose in what field I would like to volunteer in?
Yes, you can choose the field that you want to volunteer in. AFS in the hosting country will try their best to place you in the area that attract you most.

Q11: Do I need to have any specific qualification to apply (such as any work experience, technical skill, knowledge in different language?)
You may need to have specific skills for certain type of volunteer work, such as knowledge about how to handle handicapped children if you want to be placed at such homes. Depending on the area that you want to volunteer in, you may be required to know basic language of Spanish etc.

Q12: Where can I get the application form?
You can get the application form our website www.afs.org.my or call the AFS Malaysia National Office for a copy.

Q13: When can I apply for this program?
The application form will be ready in February 2006.

Q14: Where do I stay while I am on this program?
You will stay with host family through out the program. There is possibility that you will stay with the staff from your work place. During your orientation camp (arrival and before returning to Malaysia) AFS is put you in a hostel / hotel.

Q15: Can I get exemption from my university / college / National Service Program?
AFS Malaysia can assist you in getting exemption from your university / college / National Service Program. You have to provide us the necessary documents to prepare the letter.

Q16: Do I need to volunteer with AFS after I return?
It is not compulsory for you to volunteer with AFS after you return. Anyway we encourage our former participants to volunteer with us and assist the foreign students who come to Malaysia for their AFS experience.

Q17: Is there any selection that I have to undergo before I go on this program?
Yes, you will have to undergo selection process and interview before we shortlist the candidate to go on this program.