Who is eligible for this program?
All students aged 15 – 17 are eligible to apply for this program. If you are currently in Form 3, Form 4 or Form 5, we will consider your application if we receive the forms before the closing date. You do not need to be the best academically but we are looking for people who are able to adapt and also open and willing to learn more about their own and a new culture.
Why is the cost so high?
Costs paid to Hosting Country & International are in US Dollars
The cost covers: -
1) Return Flight & Departure Tax
2) International Insurance
3) Pre-Departure Camp & Post Return Camp in Malaysia
4) Arrival Camp, Delayed Orientation, End of Stay Camp & other activities in Host Country
5) Any travel cost incurred from airport to host-family. From Host-family to any camp sites
6) 24 hour Emergency Support while in Host Country
7) Medical Coverage
8) Attendance at School
9) Screening of Host-Families
10) Administrative Cost & International Communication Cost
Are there scholarships available? How can I apply?
Yes, there are scholarships available. The following are some of the scholarships offered by ABM.
JAPAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Open to all students who wish to go to Japan on the Year Program.
MERCATOR FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
This is a partial scholarship open to all students who wish to go to Germany OR Switzerland on the Year Program. Must have basic knowledge of German/French. Terms and conditions apply.
YAYASAN ABM
This is a partial scholarship open to all students who wish to go on the Year Program. Terms and conditions apply.
YOUTH EXCHANGE AND STUDY PROGRAM (YES)
Open to all students who wish to go to USA on the Semester Program.
JENESYS Scholarship
Open to all 15 to 17 year old students to go to Japan for 2 weeks.
You can apply by filling in the column in the Preliminary Application form
What will happen if I am selected to go on AFS and also selected to go to the National Service?
You need to inform AFS immediately, we will then send a letter of appeal to the Defense Ministry. So far exemptions have been given but you would still need to go for National Service Training the following year. AFS is not a method for you to skip your National Service
If I go on the Intensive 2 month program in December, I will then miss 1 month of school. Will that affect my school attendance?
No. Inform your school that you will be participating in this program.
AFS will send an official letter to your school. AFS will also send a letter to the Ministry of Education, therefore you will be exempted from school during the time stated
If I go on the year program, will I miss my chance when I’m offered to go to lower six / university or getting a Government Scholarship?
If you want to go to Lower Six, tell your parents once they receive an offer letter to forward a copy of it to AFS. We will send a request letter to school/ MOE to defer your place for the following year
Only apply for University/ College the following year, upon your return
If you are offered government scholarships, tell your parents to inform AFS. We will try to assist by giving our letter to defer your scholarship to the following year. Universities & Colleges are not under the administration of the MOE. Therefore, our assistance is limited. We strongly encourage students to complete their AFS year and not come home halfway through. This is not a good reflection on AFS in Malaysia and our students. Each country is given a quota, and if a student drops out that may mean that we will lose that place the following year. Also think of other students that would appreciate the AFS experience but were not selected.
Before you apply think hard of these consequences
How does AFS select host families?
Interested Host-families will apply to AFS, in order to host. Once we receive the application forms, we will ask our volunteers to make an appointment to interview the host-families in their homes. Families will be screened according to our criteria. Only families that satisfy our criteria will be approved to host. Host-family placements are done by the host-country
How can I be sure my child is safe with a stranger?
All selected host-families have been screened. Host-families will be matched with compatible students vice versa. Host-families will be advised and given orientation on becoming a host. They need to care for the hosted student like their own child. Local Chapters in their area will monitor their progress, development and safeguard. Each Student will be assigned to a liaison person/ counselor for them to confide in
When can I apply? Are there any extentions?
You may apply to go on exchange from March till May each year. If you have missed the deadline, you would have to wait for your chance the following year. No late applications would be accepted as the interviews are conducted in June / July period.
Can I go on AFS and study at the same time?
AFS is an intercultural exchange program and not a study program. You would be able to gain knowledge such as intercultural skills, communication skills and learn to be more independent from going on this program. However, we cannot gurantee that you would be able to complete your A-Levels or STPM equivilant when you go on this program. Most of our returnees return to Malaysia and do their A-Levels or Form 6 a year later. If your objective is to explore the world and expand your horizons, then this is the right program for you.
I have submitted my form but have not received a reply. What should I do?
If you have submitted your form, you should be called up for an interview latest by August. After the interview, you would be notified if you are successful or otherwise. If you have not received any form of reply, chances are your application is under KIV and being considered. Please do contact the National Office if you need further clarification.
I am currently studying in college / university / Form 6. Can I apply?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The program is only open to Form 3- Form 5 students. If you are currently doing your Form 6 and you are under 18, you may try to apply for the Intensive Program.
