Eligibility
Program Description
Visa and Travel Documents
Getting There

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• Be between the ages of 15 years, 0 months, and 18 years, 0 months, at the time of departure
  
• 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
  

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Program Description

Imagine spending a relaxing summer during the traditional vacation months in Turkey and experiencing everyday life in this fascinating culture! Your activities might include guided weekend excursions, picnics, and outings with your family and new friends. You’ll have an opportunity to see the art and architecture of the country, and enjoy pick-up soccer games and the frequent social gatherings in the community. Female participants will have the extra bonus of most likely being invited to a woman’s party with tea, sweets, and dancing.

This 6 week program begins when you and your fellow AFSers depart from New York on your international flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival, you will be met by volunteers and staff of AFS Turkey and taken to the Arrival Orientation site. There you will take part in a 1 day orientation that will help prepare you for your intercultural experience.

After the orientation, you will be picked up by your host family and begin the homestay portion of the program. The volunteer host families are selected for you by AFS Turkey. Your host family will provide room, board, and guidance to you during your stay. There are host communities throughout Turkey but most summer program participants are placed in and around Istanbul.

Additional information will be provided to participants prior to departure.

Learn more about life in Turkey.

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Visa and Travel Documents

A student visa is not required in order to participate in this program but you will be granted a tourist visa upon your arrival in Instanbul. There may be a small fee (approx. $30) for the tourist visa. AFS will provide additional details prior to departure.

You must have a U.S. passport in order to travel internationally. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

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Getting There

You and your fellow AFSers will fly together from New York to Istanbul. After you collect your baggage and pass through customs you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers and taken to an orientation site.

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While AFS-USA makes every attempt to deliver program components as they are described, please keep in mind that there are times when changes to program components are necessary. AFS USA will make every reasonable effort to keep applicants advised of changes to program details. AFS-USA reserves the right to change program components without advance notification.