Steps to get on your way!

1. Gather your facts
Check out the country and program descriptions on our web site. Consider what type of program might be right for you–year, semester, or intensive. Call 011 447 2673 to speak with us to answer your questions and discuss your options or send us an online inquiry . We will send you further information about the programs and your application papers.

2. Submit your pre-application and apply for your passport
Apply early. It’s easy! Submit your Preliminary Application Form, deposit R250 Application Fee, request School Recommendation and organize copy of latest School Report. After we receive your pre-application, we’ll send you a Full Application packet. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one now.

Post, fax or email the above listed papers to the AFS National Office for the Sending Coordinator’s attention:

Post:
PO Box 753, Parklands 2121
7/9 Keyes Avenue, Parklands Centre
Rosebank, 2121
South Africa

Fax: 011 447 2693

Email: Adam.Baatjes@afs.org

3. Complete the International Application Form + Home Interview
Once we have received all necessary papers, AFS Interculture South Africa will send you the international application form, the participation agreement and financial agreement. These forms need to be completed as detailed and neatly as possible. During this time a trained volunteer or staff member will complete a home interview. When this is submitted, the applicant must include a 35% deposit.

4. Wait for Host Country Guarantee
AFS National Office will review the documentation and determine if the applicant is successful. If the applicant is successful, AFS will deposit the 35% cheque. The office will then courier the documents to the hosting country where they will review the application and determine whether or not they can accommodate the participant. The result of this process will be filtered to the applicant through the volunteer or national office. If the applicant is successful the participant school will be informed by national office. A positive outcome means that the hosting country is undertaking to enrol the participant in school and find a host family. The sending family is now requested to pay 50% of the total fee and send a confirmation of payment.

5. Request Visa
The relevant documentation will be sent to the participant who will attain their visa. Some documents are needed from the hosting country and as these arrive they will be sent to the family.

6. Travel Arrangements
AFS South Africa will arrange international travel. The final 15% of the fee is due. AFS will send the air ticket to the family and inform the volunteers.

7. Host Family and School Placement
Once our AFS partner country has found a placement, AFS South Africa will send the host family and school details directly to the family and inform the volunteer.

”Before I went to America, when I thought of my future, I only wanted to complete high school and never considered going to University. When I came back I worked very hard. I studied at Wits and eventually succeeded in obtaining a managerial job. I can honestly say that this exchange changed my life”
Gordon Mtakati, 1983 in USA