Eligibility
Overview
Visa and Travel Documents
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be between the ages of 16 years, 0 months, and 17 years, 7 months, at the time of departure
- Have a passing GPA
- Be in good mental, physical, and emotional health in accordance with the AFS Medical Evaluation Policy
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture and environment
Overview
This is a 7 week program that will include a 3 week outdoor education and adventure component as well as a 4 week community service project and homestay.
The outdoor education component will be facilitated by a not-for-profit adventure organization and may include rafting, hiking, snow camping, caving, and a high ropes course. These activities are intended to develop leadership, decision-making, and teamwork skills.
The activities will take place in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the surrounding bush, lakes, and rivers.
Click for a Sample Itinerary (.pdf) of the outdoor education component.
All activities are carefully structured and supervised by highly skilled instructors who tailor the activities to meet the needs of the group. For your safety, it is imperative that you carefully follow the instructions and rules given by your instructors.
Please complete the following Consent and Medical Form (.pdf) and the AFS Activities Permission Form (.pdf) and submit them along with your Full Application.
During the final 4 weeks of the program, participants will be placed with host families throughout New Zealand and will have the opportunity to participate in a community service project.
The community service projects and the time commitments vary but be prepared to volunteer up to 40 hours per week. In order to inform the AFS New Zealand volunteers of your interests and skills, please complete the following Community Service Information Form (.pdf) and submit it along with your Full Application.
Additional information, including a packing list, will be provided to participants prior to departure.
Remember that New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere so this program will take place during their winter months. Be prepared for cold weather.
Visa and Travel Documents
A student visa is not required for participation in this program. However, you MUST have a valid United States passport in order to travel internationally. You will enter New Zealand as a tourist and be granted a tourist visa that is valid for the duration of the program.
