Eligibility
Program Description
Visa and Travel Documents
Getting There
AFS Orientations and Activities
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be between 15 years 0 months and 17 years 11 months old at the start of the program
- Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- 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, school, and environment
Program Description
As with all AFS high school programs, you will be placed with a volunteer host family while attending a local host school. Learn more about life in Thailand.
Students are placed throughout Thailand.
Thailand can accept vegetarians; strict vegans are more difficult to place even though Thailand does not have much dairy in its cuisine.
Visa and Travel Documents
In order to participate in this program, you must have a passport that is valid for six months longer than your intended stay.
In addition to your passport, you also need a visa to enter and reside in your host country.
The visa application process for Thailand is detailed and time-consuming. It involves collecting a number of documents including parental consent forms. Additionally, you will need to get a statement of good health from your physician and an official academic transcript (transcripts must be notarized, officially translated, and legalized with apostilles), among other documents.
Visa fees are $65.00; those fees are subject to change.
After you have been accepted into the program and in the months prior to your departure, AFS will provide you with detailed instructions regarding the required documents and how to apply for your visa.
Getting There
You and your fellow AFSers will travel together from one of the gateway cities in the United States. You all will arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, collect your baggage and pass through customs. You will be met by AFS staff and volunteers and will participate in a welcome orientation together. You will then travel to your host community, which may be some distance away.
The arrival orientation camp, organized by staff and run by volunteers from around the country, is held in English. It will give you a chance to relax, meet other participants from around the world and learn about AFS in Thailand, as well as about Thai culture and language.
The second night of your Arrival Orientation will include a welcome party, during which you will be invited to participate in a talent show with other participants from around the world, giving you a chance to share your talents and/or national costume. Please remember to bring any props, musical instruments or clothing that will be useful in this show.
You will also meet your local AFS contact who will accompany you to your host family the following day. If you will live near Bangkok, you will be picked up by your host family at the orientation site.
AFS Orientations and Activities
AFS will provide you with several orientations throughout your experience. These orientations give you a chance to gather important information about your host country, to meet other AFS teens from around the world, to share experiences and make friends. These group activities give you a chance to understand and process your intercultural learning experience during your time abroad as well as when you are returning home.
An orientation in Thailand will be held four to six weeks after your arrival. It is held regionally for four to five days. This will be followed by a four-to-five-day Enrichment Camp mid-way through your stay, held in a region to coincide with a local festival or holiday, such as the Candle Parade, the Loy Kratong or Song Kran Festival. Attendance at the camp is required of all AFS students, and your travel expenses will be reimbursed by AFS.
Midway through your stay, you will have another orientation, organized at the regional level. This will last for 2-3 days and will focus on cultural and school adjustment. You will also meet with AFS staff and volunteers to evaluate your first few weeks and be offered guidance to make the transition as smooth as possible, all while participating in fun activities, which may include elephant riding, river rafting, visiting a night bazaar and exploring the region’s beautiful nature.
Finally, there is a final evaluation camp (end-of-stay orientation) approximately 4 weeks prior to departure. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
These required orientations are intended to help you maximize the AFS experience, prevent culture shock and to gain knowledge, skills and a global understanding.
An optional week-long exchange to another part of Thailand is another possibility, where you will live with a host family and attend school. This is coordinated by your local advisor and, should you choose to participate, you would pay transportation costs. Some AFS local chapters may also organize special events, activities and trips for your enjoyment, including Meditation Camp, a massage course for traditional Thai massage, and optional trips to different regions of the country.
There are many other activities that you can do in Thailand. They may be offered by AFS, by your school or by the community. Such possibilities include becoming a novice monk or nun and taking a meditation or massage course. You can also take part in community service activities and will be asked to do some presentations on your home country.
English camps are very popular in Thailand. They may be organized either by AFS or by your school. AFS students are invited to participate and, depending on your English skills, to be leaders. The camps are sponsored by a school, and the AFS national office arranges for AFS students to participate. You may have the opportunity to go to one or more English camps. They are a great way to make friends with Thai students.
