Congratulations to all Winners!

The AFS Global STEM Academies combine digital and in-person learning, gathering youth from more than 18 countries worldwide, in which scholars enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and social innovation.

The Academies begin with a 12-week virtual e-learning curriculum (from home), engaging in global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops, with content co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. The virtual portion of the program culminates with student-led social impact projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the topics of climate change and the energy transition.

After completing the virtual curriculum, Academy scholars travel on a 4-week immersive experience to one of the six Academy destinations: Brazil, China, Egypt, Europe, India, or the USA. Academy programming focuses on critical STEM skills and intercultural understanding for global sustainability, as well as local cultural immersion. Scholars participate in community service and have the opportunity to visit local innovative, sustainability focused operations to see first-hand how companies and organizations are using STEM skills in practice to address industry and societal challenges, particularly around sustainability.

Program scholars earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.

Who can apply?

The program is available only via scholarship award. For more information about the application and selection process please see the FAQs below.

Application Deadline: 15 January 2023.

Applicants to the AFS Global STEM Academies must meet all of the following criteria, outlined as follows:

  • Be a citizen of Malaysia
  • Born between 25 November 2005 through 25 March 2008 (15-17.5 years old)
  • Ability to participate fully, both online and in a classroom setting, in a program conducted entirely in English
  • High Interest in STEM, sustainability, and global competencies
  • Curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and explore new cultures
  • Ability and willingness to travel abroad, to any of the six Academy destinations: Brazil, Egypt, India, USA, China, and Europe.
  • To own a computer, smartphone or other digital device to access the virtual program content. An integrated webcam and microphone together with stable internet or wifi connection is required for participation in online dialogue sessions.
  • Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly young women, underrepresented populations, and students with high financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply!

What’s included in your experience?

STEM2
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Cultural Tours
  • Field Trips
  • AFS Worldwide Presence
  • Emotional & Learning Support
STEM4
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Continuous Support
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
STEM3
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Domestic Transport

Where will you go?

All Academy scholars start with a 12-week interactive online curriculum (from home), engaging in content on global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability. The virtual portion of the program culminates with student-led social impact projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on climate change and the energy transition. After completion of the online curriculum, scholars then travel on a 4-week study abroad experience in one of the following destinations. Please note that travel eligibility and exact program dates are subject to change based on international travel restrictions and/or visa requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil

24 JUNE – 22 JULY, 2023

Explore innovations in renewable energy in the coastal city of Natal, Brazil. In Natal, on Brazil’s northeast Atlantic coast, scholars will meet with professors and learn about their research at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, while taking field trips to the International Institute of Physics, the Brain Institute, and the Digital Metropolis Institute. Learn about the importance of biofuels and alternative energy production, and meet with STEM professionals and mentors. This immersive Academy includes a homestay weekend with a Brazilian family (depending on Covid-19 protocol at the time of hosting) and activities with Brazilian high schoolers, as well as Portuguese language classes and workshops to build intercultural leadership and global citizenship skills.

India, AFS USA

India

2 JULY – 30 JULY, 2023

Rich culture intersects with leading research and development in India. Scholars will engage in hands-on workshops on topics such as robotics and technology-driven software, complete service leadership projects, embark on field trips and meet with energy industry leaders. Connect with local professionals and learn more about global careers in the STEM and sustainability fields. Learn about India’s innovations in mobility, including lower-emission fuels, electric vehicle charging and other lower-carbon solutions, along with its demand to meet the fastest-growing fuels market in the world. With tours of iconic landmarks and extracurricular activities like music, dance, and art to enrich the Academy, scholars will develop a deeper understanding of India’s uniquely diverse culture and history.

USA

USA

7 JULY – 31 JULY, 2023

Get ready for a summer of hands-on discovery in the diverse, cosmopolitan city of Houston, Texas, USA, the “Energy Capital of the World.” Explore innovative digital technologies that help power global cities, including supercomputing and wind turbines. Learn about Houston’s Climate Action Plan and the city’s shift towards climate-resilient, sustainable development. Visit world-renowned sites such as NASA’s Johnson Space Center and participate in a community service project to help protect the wetlands and coastal habitats of Galveston Bay. Additional activities for the program may include a tour of the Texas Medical Center (the largest medical center in the world) and a chance to experience Greentown Labs – an energy hub supporting climate-tech startups and leading the way in renewable energy and decarbonization. Scholars will be hosted in dorms at the University of Houston, and experience American culture through interaction with local high-school students and Houston’s cultural events such as Theatre Under the Stars.

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Europe

15 JULY – 13 AUGUST, 2023

This multi-destination Academy will merge sustainable energy, state-of-the-art technology, history, and culture, with a focus on sustainable technologies in three European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Scholars will learn about EU institutions, focus on innovative projects in sustainability, and dream big about new goals for nature protection and restoration. Scholars will also learn more about EU efforts to improve the well-being and health of citizens and future generations through energy-efficient buildings, public transport, cleaner energy, skills training, and more.

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Egypt

19 JULY – 16 AUGUST, 2023

In the “cradle of civilization”, explore ancient engineering wonders such as the Great Pyramids, as well as the unique environmental sustainability practices in the modern city of Cairo. Scholars will engage in several STEM (or rather STREAM – adding Art & Robotics) focused fields: robotics to solve the climate change problems in green houses and activities related to climate change through hands-on STEM activities, both in the field and conducted in laboratories at Zewail City of Science, Technology. They will also attend several art and Egyptian folkloric dance workshops. In addition to a homestay experience with a local Egyptian host family, scholars will have the opportunity to take Arabic language classes and volunteer alongside local youth in community service projects.

China.AFS-USA

China

24 JULY – 21 AUGUST, 2023

Learn about the future of mobility, innovation, and sustainable energy in China. Scholars will be hosted at one of China’s top STEM schools in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province, renowned for its rich history, tradition, and innovation. Meet with bp and Volvo China leadership and learn about innovations in manufacturing and marketing, aviation fuel, retailing, and chemical technology. Visit Volvo Cars’ first manufacturing plant in China, as well as the Volvo Innovation Hub, which is partnering with bp China to advance energy solutions and sustainable development. Embark on immersive field trips including the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a conservation center where scholars will learn about endangered giant pandas in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you have submitted your pre-applicationincluding completing all items on your to do list, our team will assess your pre-application to determine if you are eligible to continue the process. To review the eligibility criteria, and to read more about the program please visit the program page. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly and receive further notice at that time.