The Washington DC area chapter of AFS Intercultural Programs (the exchange student program) will hold the first part of two local student orientations starting at Noon on Saturday, January 9 through Noon on Sunday, January 10, 2010. This is an overnight orientation. (The second orientation will be held for both students and parents from 12:30 to 5 PM on Saturday, June 5th at the National 4-H Center.)

This first orientation is known as the Selection Camp and will focus on getting you to know more about the AFS program and why you want to be a participant. During this day long gathering, you will meet other students, learn about AFS history and types of AFS programs offered, discuss your goals and objectives for your international exchange experience, test your knowledge of American government, and learn about fundraising strategies to help you offset the cost of your program fee.

Who will be there?
Washington DC area students who want to be AFS participants in 2010 should attend. (Students who are still deciding if the AFS experience is right for them are also invited.) Past AFS participants and international exchange students who are hosted in the area will be at the orientation too.

Why do we call this a Selection Camp?
Every student who goes on AFS is sent as a representative of their high school, community and the United States. We want you to understand that you have a responsibility to represent us well and to follow the AFS rules. AFS volunteers select students that we think will maintain high standards overseas. If you do not receive our recommendation, AFS-USA will not send you abroad.

Now with all that said I’m sure that you have what it takes to be an AFSer! The orientation will be held at the Smith Environmental Education Center, 5110 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. It will begin at Noon on Saturday, January 9th and end at Noon, on Sunday, January 10th. If you can attend for just a few hours, Saturday from Noon-6 PM is the most important part of the camp.

This Selection Camp promises to be a fun and reflective time for everyone to share experiences and think about the future, but in order for that to happen, we need you there! Please register by sending an email to afswashingtondc@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at (202) 543-5837. Be sure to indicate whether or not you will be staying overnight. All the AFS volunteers are looking forward to meeting you. See you on the 9th! Jim Walker AFS Volunteer (202) 669-5281 cell which I will have during the orientation.

PS…There will be an optional parent’s meeting at 10:30 AM on Sunday, January 10th which will include an overview of AFS programs and a question and answer session with AFS volunteers.

Smith Environmental Education Center
5110 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855
Map it!