The Secret to Your Dream Exchange: AFS Scholarships Are Changing Lives (Yours Next?)

Are you dreaming of an international exchange experience but worried about the cost? Well, let's talk about the AFS Scholarship! If you're based in the U.S. and looking to explore the world, this could be your golden ticket.

Ⅰ. What Exactly is an AFS Scholarship?

AFS (formerly known as American Field Service) has a long history of promoting intercultural understanding through exchange programs. Their scholarships are designed to make these transformative experiences accessible to students who might not otherwise be able to afford them. It's more than just a trip; it's a chance to grow, learn, and broaden your perspective in ways you never thought possible.

Ⅱ. Types of AFS Scholarships

1. Global Citizen Scholarships & Aid

   Merit‑ and need‑based awards ranging from partial to full program‑fee waivers for summer, semester, and academic‑year programs

2. U.S. Department of State Scholarships

   Fully funded exchanges like Kennedy‑Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES), NSLI‑Y, CBYX, and FLEX, administered by AFS-USA

3. AFS Global STEM Academies Scholarships

   Competitive awards for students aged 15–17.5 to attend four‑week STEM immersion academies abroad

4. AFS Global You™ Adventurer Scholarships

   Select full and partial scholarships for AFS’s 100% virtual Global You Adventurer program; applicants submit a 1,000‑character essay on diversity and pay a nominal $6 enrollment fee if selected

5. AFS Youth Assembly Scholarships

   Sponsored spots for alumni of AFS programs, young educators, and climate entrepreneurs to attend professional‑development “Youth Assembly” events (ages 18–35)

Ⅲ. Who’s Eligible & What You Need

1. Global Citizen Scholarships: Must be an accepted AFS‑USA study‑abroad applicant and demonstrate financial need by the scholarship deadline

2. State‑Funded Programs: Each has its own criteria (e.g., YES focuses on community leadership; NSLI‑Y on critical languages) and requires separate U.S. Department of State applications

3. STEM Academies: Open to students 15–17.5 years old who can travel internationally and participate fully in English‑language STEM sessions

4. Global You Adventurer: Any learner with internet access; selection is based on essay quality and program availability

5. Youth Assembly: AFS alumni or nominated educators/climate entrepreneurs aged 18–35 who meet program‑specific requirements

Ⅳ. How to Apply

1. Explore Programs & Deadlines: Visit the AFS-USA Scholarships page to see which awards match your goals and note application deadlines.

2. Submit Your Main AFS Application: For most scholarships, you must first apply and be accepted to an AFS program.

3. Complete the Scholarship Form: Provide financial‑need documentation or answer essay prompts (e.g., “How can diversity improve your community?” for Global You Adventurer).

4. Interview & Selection: Some scholarships (like STEM Academies) include a blind review and interview stage to ensure fairness .

5. Finalize Enrollment: If awarded, follow instructions to accept your scholarship, pay any nominal fees, and prepare for your AFS experience.

Ⅴ. “How Will an AFS Scholarship Help Me?”

1. Reduce/Eliminate Program Fees: Scholarships can cover anywhere from 10% to 100% of your tuition costs.

2. Access Premium Experiences: Attend specialized STEM academies, virtual global‑citizen workshops, or high‑school exchanges that might otherwise be out of reach.

3. Gain Cultural & Language Skills: Dive into new languages and cultures without shouldering the full financial burden.

4. Build Leadership & Global Networks: Scholarships often include mentorship, alumni communities, and professional‑development events like the Youth Assembly.

Ready to start your AFS journey? Head to the AFS-USA Scholarships page, choose the award that fits you best, and let a scholarship turn “someday” into “right now!”