AFS has helped thousands of students raise money for their AFS experience by providing strategies, ideas, and examples of what works well for students. Raising money for at least part of your experience will provide you with invaluable skills that will serve you well in the years ahead. Put your creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance to work and you’ll find plenty of people who are willing and wanting to help you.
Key Steps to Fundraising:- Estimate how much your program will cost
Remember to include domestic airfare to an AFS departure city, and any visa and passport fees you might incur. Estimate $100-$300 in spending money per month, depending on your habits and your host country. - Figure out what you can contribute
Include savings and what you may earn from part-time or summer employment. - Ask your parents what they can contribute
Have them calculate all the money they will save during your experience on groceries, transportation, clothing, entertainment, etc. - Raise money
Let your friends, family, school, and everyone in your community know that you’re planning to study abroad with AFS and that you need their help to do it. - Decide on the fundraising project that fits you best
AFS Returnees have developed many creative ways to raise money and you can learn a lot through their experiences. Just check the box on your Preliminary Application to learn more, call 1-800-AFS-INFO, or visit the AFS Fundraising Wiki– a place for AFSers to share fundraising ideas. AFS also offers fundraising conference calls.
AFS is committed to making our programs available to qualified students through fundraising support, as well as financial aid and scholarship assistance.
