The experiences of AFS participants are so rich and varied that no blanket description can summarize them adequately. Nonetheless, prospective participants ask many of the same questions, and this site answers the most frequent. If we fail to cover your concerns and you want to know more, please contact us.
What is The Community Service Program?
This program is for young adults of 18 years or older. Participants volunteer with local organizations that address community needs and are exposed to new customs, morals, ethics and values that challenge them to reflect on their own cultural norms.
Why do I need to pay in order to volunteer?
AFS, a non-profit, volunteer based organization, charges a program fee to cover our year-round coordination and operational costs, which include AFS volunteer training, local and overseas orientation activities and emergency assistance, as well as regular contact and coordination with the community service organization. Part of the fee also goes to the AFS partner organization in the host country, where similar coordination and operational costs are incurred.
What does the program fee include?
All AFS programs include full accommodation and meals plus all international travel, medical insurance, orientation camps, meet-and-greet airport service, transportation to your work site and local language tuition (not offered for all destinations). In addition we provide a 24-hour emergency support team for all programs.
Who can host Community Service Participants?
All kinds of families can be hosts. AFS’s criteria for hosting is a secure, flexible, interested household of people genuinely interested in sharing their lives with an AFS participant, providing that young person with love and support, and learning about the world and its people.
How long can I go for?
Community service programs generally last for 3,5 or 11months and Summer Programs for 4 to 7 weeks.
I don’t have any foreign language experience. How will I be able to communicate?
Many participants start off with little host country language experience. But before long they are able to communicate at a basic level, and a lot of our participants are fluent by the end of the program. Most programs also offer language instruction to get you started and it helps to learn at least some of the basics before you leave. But there is no better way to learn a language than by speaking it 24/7!
Why go with AFS?
AFS has been running intercultural programs around the world for over 50 years. AFS has a sophisticated support and risk management system and an impeccable record in managing intercultural programs. This means peace of mind for you and your family while you are overseas.
Where can I go?
We currently offer programs in Australia, Belgium French, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom and Venezuela.
What is the deadline to apply?
Deadlines are on September 15th for Winter Departures and March 24th for Summer Departures. However, places are limited and applying early increases your chances of having an available place in the country of your choice.
Do I have to pay participation fees and also engage in a fundraising?
Yes, all candidates wishing to take part in a program offered by AFS Interculture Canada must pay participation fees AND also engage in an obligatory fundraising campaign. Depending f the program you choose, the funds to be raised are between $2,000 and $4,000.
Why does AFS require a fundraising?
Fundraising allows AFS Interculture Canada to reduce its costs and offer the lowest participation fees. As well, in carrying out fundraising for AFS, participants enable the organization to honour its educational mission mandate and contribute to the building of a more fair and peaceful world.
A portion of the funds raised will be dedicated to grant awards, notably to participants from under-privileged socio-economic situations.
Who can make a donation to AFS Interculture Canada?
Any individual (except the participant) or Canadian company can make donations to AFS Interculture Canada. Charity tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 and more.
There is no maximum amount of donation, with the exception of the participant’s mother or father, who may contribute no more than $3,000 each.
Why make a donation?
Donors have a variety of reasons. Some make donations to encourage a young person they know, for whom they wish to show their support and affection. Others are motivated by a belief in the value of supporting youth development and contributing to the preparation of tomorrow’s leaders. Many donors are also attracted to the concept of intercultural learning and the promotion of a more fair and peaceful world. Finally, although it is never a donor’s primary motivation, they all appreciate a socially constructive way of reducing their taxes.
A portion of the funds raised will be dedicated to grant awards, notably to participants from under-privileged socio-economic situations.
