Scholarships for an intercultural program
AFS Interculture Canada’s goal is to provide people with intercultural learning opportunities to promote the creation of a more just and peaceful world. Our international exchange programs enable participants to be more open-minded, to appreciate cultural differences and the universal interests shared by people around the world. Because we think our programs should be available to everyone, no matter their socio-economic status, we offer generous scholarships to participants with significant financial needs. In order to complete our mission, we are looking for motivated ambassadors and we believe financial standing should not prevent anyone from participating in the amazing, fulfilling AFS experience!
What are the amounts of the scholarships that will be awarded?
AFS Interculture Canada gives scholarships up to $5,000 for a year high school program, $4,000 for a semester high school program, $3,000 for a trimester high school program, $1,500 for a summer program and $4,000 for a community service program. Please be advised that the participants for the FLEX and school group programs arenot eligible for scholarships.
Who can obtain a scholarship?
The scholarships are offered to participants registered in an AFS program. The candidates must meet the admission criteria of the host country and have been accepted by AFS Canada. The Participation Agreement must have been signed and returned to the AFS office in Montreal.
How can I apply to get scholarship?
Follow the standard AFS registration process:
- Complete the preliminary application form and pay the $75 fee. The preliminary application form is available on our website www.afscanada.org in the Apply Today section. If you don’t have access to internet, please contact us and we will mail it to you
- Complete the final application forms, which will be sent to you upon the receipt of your preliminary application form
- Make sure you fill out and provide the information requested on Form 10 – AFS Grant
- Pay the admission fee of $750 and send the Participation Agreement properly signed
- Submit your application before the scholarships application deadline
What is the deadline to submit my application?
- Winter departure (January, February or March depending of the destination): August 1st
- Summer departure (June, July, August or September depending on the destination): March 1st
AFS Interculture Canada must have received your complete application file at the date indicated above in order to consider your application for a scholarship. All documents must have been submitted, including the Form 10 - AFS Grant.
I’m already registered for a departure in 2 years, am I eligible for a scholarship?
Yes, AFS offers grants every year, the amount of the scholarships offered each year varies according to the resources available. The scholarships are offered by season, August for the winter departure and February for the summer departure. Participants can only apply for a scholarship at the selection preceding their departure.
What are my chances of obtaining a grant?
The probability of granting a scholarship is based on the participant’s financial need. AFS is making strenuous efforts to help youths who want to go abroad to fulfill their dreams. To become a beneficiary of our financial support, the candidate must meet the selection criteria.
What are AFS selection criteria to award the scholarships?
There are basic requirements to register in the grants program. You must:
- Be registered for an AFS program
- Present your complete application file before the scholarships application deadline, which is August 1st for a winter departure and March 1st for a summer departure
- Have paid the $750 admission fee and returned the Participation Agreement formally signed
- Have submitted the Form 10 – AFS Grant and all the requested documents on time
Then, there are the selection committee’s criteria:
- Socio-economic status of the participant and his/her family
- Participant’s motivation to attend an AFS program
- Overall quality of the application file
To obtain a scholarship, the participants will have to commit to the requirements related to the departure preparation and to the rules of conduct dictated by the AFS office in Canada and abroad. The grant holders will have to pay AFS as per the payment conditions established by the accounting department. Moreover, the recipients will have to consent to have their name published.
How can I increase my chances of getting a grant?
The care you put into preparing your application is important. The selection committee is also influenced by the motivation you have demonstrated, by your letter explaining why they should grant you a scholarship and the reference letters provided by your teachers and acquaintances. You have to demonstrate how essential the scholarship is for you and how attending an AFS program will benefit your future!
The participant who receives a scholarship commits to:
- Do the intercultural certificate
- Do a 3hrs minimum of volunteer work for AFS Interculture Canada upon return
- Sign a contract stating that a participant ending the program earlier for personal reasons will refund AFS Interculture Canada the scholarship amount granted (according to time spent abroad)
The AFS team wishes you good luck!
