AFS STRUCTURE

Transcription

AFS STRUCTURE
AFS STRUCTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.INTRODUCTION ABOUT OUR WORK
1.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WORK ON AFS?
2.
WHAT DOES AFS MEAN TO US?
3.
WHY DID WE DECIDE TO WORK ON AFS STRUCTURE?
4.
WHAT WAS OUR AIM?
5.
HOW CAN YOU USE THE INFORMATION OFFERED?
II.INTRODUCTION ABOUT AFS
1.
WHAT IS AFS?
2.
WHAT IS EFIL?
3.
WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER?
4.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
4.1.
Sending
4.1.1. School Program
4.1.2. Summer or Intensive Programs (IP)
4.1.3. Community Service Program (CS)
4.2.
Hosting
4.3.
Summery on the shortcuts used within AFS
III.AFS COUNTRY REPORTS
1.
AFS IN AUSTRIA
1.1.
A short overview
1.2.
Programs and participant numbers
1.3.
Orientations in Austria
1.4.
AFS Journal
1.5.
Contact
2.
AFS IN BELGIUM (FRENCH PART)
2.1.
Programs
2.2.
Contact
3.
AFS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
3.1.
Programs
3.2.
Orientations in the Czech Republic
3.3.
Contact
4.
AFS IN FINNLAND
4.1.
A short overview
4.2.
Programs and participant numbers
4.3.
Orientations in Finland
4.4.
Contact
5.
AFS IN FRANCE
5.1. Contact
6.
AFS IN GERMANY
6.1.
A short overview
6.2.
Programs and participant numbers
6.3.
Contact
7.
AFS IN HUNGARY
7.1.
A short overview
7.2.
Programs and participant numbers
7.3.
Orientations in Hungary
7.4.
Contact
8.
AFS IN ITALY
8.1.
A short overview
8.2.
Programs and participant numbers
8.3.
Contact
9.
AFS IN JAPAN
9.1.
Orientations in Japan
10.
AFS IN PORTUGAL
10.1. A short overview
10.2. Programs and participant numbers
10.3. Orientations in Portugal
10.4. Contact
11.
AFS IN SLOVAKIA
11.1. A short overview
11.2. Programs and participant numbers
11.3. Orientations in Slovakia
11.4. Contact
12.
AFS IN SWEDEN
12.1. A short overview
12.2. Programs and participant numbers
12.3. Orientations in Sweden
12.4. Contact
I. INTRODUCTION ABOUT OUR WORK
1. Why is it important to work on AFS?
AFS is an international organisation that shares information between the different countries
and cultures. Useful information can be gained by sharing not only activities that the countries
do but also the different strategies used to lead chapters, to train volunteers or to organise
orientations because we all are aware of how important it is to learn different organising and
working methods.
To know all this helps us to understand the different perspectives of AFS goals and the
different experiences. It helps us to understand the different kinds of relations between the
participants of the programs. It helps us to foster the understanding of ways to work in the
different countries and to learn that it can work in different ways.
Another reason why it is important to keep on working on AFS is that new volunteers
regularly join bringing new ideas and introducing us to different methods making AFS a
dynamic organisation.
2. What does AFS mean to us?
We are all volunteers who decided to work for AFS because we believe in the AFS mission.
We do not get paid for the work we do, but still we put a lot of time and effort into it and do it
with all the passion of our heart. It can be exhausting but we enjoy being with AFS people as
it means having fun, sharing, learning, talking about experiences and also living new
experiences while making friends throughout the world. We feel like one big family, with
friends all over the world. AFS has a worldwide network, which offers us support and
knowledge on many subjects.
We get to know many different people, such as host families, teachers, volunteers and host
students. We train them and get trained at the same time by gaining experience and
knowledge through what we do. Through AFS we can gain responsibility, self-confidence and
other skills, such as leadership qualities. These skills are important tools that are also useful in
our non-AFS life.
3. Why did we decide to work on AFS structure?
The results of this project presented in this document are meant to facilitate youth exchange.
The focus was on differences and similarities between the European and Japanese culture and
youth life. The project took place in an AFS environment, as the whole project was planned
and supported by EFIL (European Foundation for intercultural learning), the umbrella
organisation of AFS in Europe, and AFS Japan. All the participants were AFS volunteers. The
participating volunteers got to know the culture of another country by staying in an AFS host
family, spending time with AFS volunteers and taking part in AFS activities. Therefore we
could take a deep look at the different structures of AFS in the participating countries and
discovered many differences but also similarities between Japan and Europe.
We took the opportunity to take a look at the different structures, programs, concepts, the
organisation of activities and the togetherness of volunteers.
Perhaps the AFS structure chapter might not be so interesting for students going abroad, being
of more interest for AFS volunteers. Sometimes it is hard for volunteers to have international
contact with other AFS organisations, as this is often the role of the national offices. This
project has been a network building opportunity between the AFS countries and not only for
the national offices but also for the volunteers.
4. What was our aim?
The aim of working on the AFS structure during the project was to share the differences and
similarities between the AFS countries involved. Our intention is to spread this information
and these methods in order to improve the understanding of each other’s organisation, to
improve the quality of activities and even the organisation of our chapters and volunteer
trainings.
We hope anyone who reads these reports can gather some useful information and help us to
share it, creating a worldwide network of volunteers.
The information was gathered during the whole length of the project and all the 45
participants contributed material and reports. The sources were collected during orientations
and meetings, by handing-out questionnaires to AFS volunteers, by talking to AFS volunteers
as well as AFS offices from all the participating countries.
The main information on AFS was taken from the international AFS website as well as other
AFS country websites.
In the “Public” part you will find an overview on the structure of AFS in each participating
country, information on the programs offered, participant numbers as well as a list of the
orientations offered in each country.
5. How can you use the information offered?
Using these country profiles we can see the different realities of our AFS partners and how
they apply different methods for reaching the same goals.
We kindly ask you to use this information in order to give us feedback, to consider new
methods for organising the orientations, or even to plan new activities in your chapter.
II. INTRODUCTION ABOUT AFS
1. What is AFS?1
AFS (American Field Service) is a non-profit, volunteer based organisation offering
exchanges for students, young adults and teachers in over 50 countries around the world. The
focus of these programs is on intercultural learning.
AFS Statement of Purpose
AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that provides
intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and
understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.2
The Core Values and Attributes of AFS
AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding
in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice,
inequity and intolerance.
AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations
and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without
distinction to race, sex, language, religion or social status.
AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony,
sensitivity and tolerance.3
Educational mission
AFS believes firmly in the value of experiential learning. Participants on an AFS program
have structured orientations and are placed in classrooms, but the principal learning
opportunities on the AFS program come from the daily experience of living in another
cultural environment. Learning by experience is intrinsically motivating, is better remembered,
and the skills learned are retained longer than in a classroom setting.
Our framework for learning is involvement in the local culture and community. We encourage
participants to become more aware of the issues affecting their host society, to engage in
community service and to form close relationships across cultures. When they return home,
we support them in their re-integration to their home societies and encourage them to put their
new knowledge to use.4
What one can gain through AFS:
• A strong connection and involvement with the people and way of life of your host country.
• New relationships that will change your outlook on life in profound ways.
• A passion for understanding different cultures in addition to the one you visit.
• The ability to understand and to express yourself in another language, often fluently.
• A lifelong interest in and concern for other countries and international issues.
• A greater flexibility when dealing with other people and situations.5
1
All the main information about AFS was taken from AFS International (www.afs.org).
http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=10
3
http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=10
4
http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=22
5
http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=13
2
Some Facts about AFS
• AFS is active in international exchanges since 1919.
• Nearly 11,000 students, young adults and teachers participate in AFS programs each year.
• There are more than 50 AFS partner countries.
• More than 30,000 active volunteers work for AFS in over 50 countries.
2. What is EFIL?6
EFIL, the European Federation for Intercultural Learning, is the umbrella organisation of the
European AFS Organisations in Europe. EFIL Member Organisations participate in a network
of partner organisations with operations covering 56 countries worldwide.
The Federation promotes synergies and opportunities for its Member Organisations in the
field of intercultural learning and global education. Its main activities focus on lobbying,
training, and fostering the sharing of know-how and practices.
In its role as a global education network, EFIL supports its members in establishing
programmes that bridge the gap between the training provided by most educational systems
and the intercultural skills and global perspectives needed to foster a harmonious world.
Furthermore, EFIL co-ordinates several exchange activities on behalf of its members or in
conjunction with international organisations.7
3. What is a volunteer?8
More than 30,000 active volunteers supported by a small staff make AFS happen in
communities around the world. They are men and women, young and old, busy
professionals,retirees, students and teachers.
Volunteers help with many things including promoting AFS in the local community and
schools by finding students and families, serving as contact persons for an AFS student,
organising fundraising events, and arranging activities for AFS students. There are
opportunities to do a variety of tasks to fit in with your schedule.
While helping others, AFS volunteers also gain a lot on a personal level. They experience the
value of intercultural communication, develop and practice language, leadership and
professional skills and participate actively in community activities. AFS provides
development and training opportunities for volunteers.
6
The information about EFIL was taken from the EFIL site www.efil.afs.org
http://www.efil.afs.org/abo/ab_role.html
8
The information about Volunteering was taken from AFS International
(http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=20).
7
4. Introduction of the different programs
Whether you are a teenager or an adult, whether you want to go abroad or stay home, AFS
offers many opportunities to help foster worldwide understanding built on international
friendships.
4.1. Sending
When we say “Sending” we are talking about the people we send on our programmes to other
countries.
There are 3 main programmes that AFS offers for people interested in an intercultural
experience abroad. These are the School Program, the Intensive Program and the Community
Service Program.
4.1.1. School Program9
A student exchange program is not just the opportunity to visit another country, but also to
live with a host family, go to school, learn a new language and become a part of another
culture. It is a chance to develop relationships with people in another country and to
experience what it is like to be a teenager in another country.
AFS provides the opportunity to travel within a safe environment. AFS supports all students
before, during and after their exchange by means of telephone calls, e-mails, newsletters and
orientations. AFS has an international support network of volunteers. There are volunteer
Local Contact Persons (LCP) as well as a professional staff in order to help participants
confront any situation and to face any problems that they may face before, during and after
their program.
School Programs are offered for secondary school students between the ages of 15-18 years.
The School Program is for one academic year, semester or trimester and begins in July,
August or September (these programs are marked with the NH, meaning Northern
Hemisphere) or January, February or March (these programs are marked with the SH,
meaning Southern Hemisphere) depending on the country. AFS students live with a host
family and attend a local secondary school as full-time students.
The Year Program (YP):
The Year Program’s duration is from 10-12 month depending on the destination.
Students will live the same life as a youth in their chosen country. They will share in the daily
family activities of their host family and attend a school in the community. They will make
new friends, discover a new culture and learn the language of the country.
Semester Program (SM):
The Semester Program’s duration is from 5-6 months depending on the destination.
The conditions are the same as in the Year Program.
9
Information about the School Programs was taken from AFS International
(http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=17) and AFS South Africa
(http://afsweb.afs.org/SouthAfrica.nsf/pages/send1).
Trimester Program (TR):
The Trimester Program lasts 3 months and is offered in only some of the AFS member
countries. The conditions are the same as in the Year Program.
4.1.2. Summer or Intensive Programs (IP)10
Summer and Intensive Programs are offered for secondary school students aged between 15
and18 years old and their duration is from one to three months. Participants mostly live with
host families, participate in educational activities and enjoy their new communities. The
programs also focus on language skills and include cultural, sporting and outdoor activities.
4.1.3. Community Service Program (CS)11
The Community Service Program is open to everyone between 18 and 30. The participants
spend up to 6 months working as volunteers in foreign countries. They stay with local host
families and work in local community service organisations that address community needs,
such as helping street children or developing training programs with human rights workers.
The goals are to learn skills, a new language and get an insider’s perspective of a new culture.
The setting could be South or Central America, Africa, Asia and possibly Europe too.
Most programs are for a semester (4-6 months), projects vary due to the hosting country and
participants' interests. AFS offers Community Service programs in more than 20 countries
across the globe.
4.2. Hosting12
When we say “Hosting” we talk about participants that choose this country to have her/his
intercultural experience and also about families that let the world into their home.
Hosting someone from another part of the world is a great way to expose your family to a new
culture and building a sincere, long-lasting relationship at the same time.
The hosting period varies from one month (Intensive Programme) up to 11 months (Year
Program).
Families are expected to provide the participant with a bed and meals, and to treat him/her as
a member of the family, offering moral support comfort and affection. The participant should
be integrated into the family life, including helping with household chores. The family is a
central part of the participant's experience. She/he gets to know the culture and about the life
style of the host country on the deepest levels.
10
Information about the Summer and Intensive Program were taken from AFS International
(http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=17) and AFS Canada
(http://www.afscanada.org/home.cfm?page=1518#intensif).
11
Information about the Community Service Program was taken from AFS International
(http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=18) as well as from AFS South Africa
(http://afsweb.afs.org/SouthAfrica.nsf/pages/walksend).
12
Information about Hosting was taken from AFS International
(http://www.afs.org/AFSI/content/page.php?uid=19) and AFS South Africa
(http://afsweb.afs.org/SouthAfrica.nsf/pages/host1).
There are many different kinds of families. Some have teenagers, others have young children
or children who have already left home, or no children at all. Some host parents are married,
some are single. AFS families can be found anywhere: on farms, in small towns, in suburbs
and cities. They are host families of all races, beliefs and nationalities. Just as there are many
types of families, there are many types of participants.
AFS takes many factors into account when placing a participant with a host family. AFS does
not seek to find the "perfect" placement, we look for common interests and values between
the family and the participant which will help the two to establish bonds more quickly.
AFS believes that hosting someone as a member of the family is something that cannot be
achieved by money, so AFS host families are not paid. Hosting creates a lifetime bond with
another person and often with another family in a different part of the world. Host families
also benefit by gaining an international perspective becoming sensitive and more tolerant to
differences. These can not only be achieved by hosting but also by participating in AFS
activities created to help and guide host families through the hosting program.
AFS provides each host family and participant with a contact person. AFS contact persons are
often people who have been through AFS experiences, now working for AFS as volunteers
and are there to help you get through any challenges that any participant might face during the
program.
4.3. Summary of the abbreviations used within AFS
YP: Year Program
SM: Semester Program
TR: Trimester Program
CS: Community Service Program
IP: Intensive Program
NH: Northern Hemisphere: Programs that start in July, August and September
SH: Southern Hemisphere: Programs that start in January, February and March
III. AFS COUNTRY REPORTS
1. AFS in Austria
1.1.
A short overview
Austria, situated in the heart of Europe, is a member of AFS International since 1949. Today
AFS Austria is a strong partner and continues to grow in participant numbers.
AFS Austria has about 2000 members and about 4500 financial supporters. In Austria over
500 volunteers work in 9 chapters. These volunteers, particularly the key volunteers of each
chapter, are in regular contact with the office, especially with the program coordinators.
The chapter presidents together with the Executive Board members form the Board of AFS
Austria. In the following organisation chart you can see how AFS Austria is structured:
Advisory Board
Board of AFS Austria
9 Chapter
presidents
General
Secretary
Executive Board (not
more than 7 members)
Program Director
Volunteer
structure
development
Program
assistant
Sending
Program
Coordinator
Hosting
Program
Coordinator
Admini
stration
+ IT
Accoun
tancy
Volunteers
Paid staff
The 9 chapters in Austria align with the 9 federal provinces of Austria. Each chapter is an
independent body with its own decision making process but are under the custody of AFS
Austria. Some chapters are divided into local chapters.
(source: www.archive.nrw.de/ bilder/karten/karte_oest.gif)
The nine Austrian chapters:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wien (Vienna)
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) – The chapter is separated into 4 local chapters.
Burgenland
Steiermark (Styria)
Oberösterreich (Upper Austria) – The chapter is separated into 3 local chapters.
Salzburg
Kärnten (Carinthia)
Tirol (Tyrol)
Vorarlberg
1.2.
Programs and participant numbers13
In Austria 4 different programs are offered: the Year Program (YP), the Semester Program
(SM), the Trimester Program (TR) and the Community Service. We send and host participants
of all programs except the Community Service. For this program we only send participants.
The following lists show the sending and hosting numbers of the years 2003 to 2005:
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
13
YP
69
83
84
SM
18
32
17
TR
27
13
21
Please refer to the Introduction for explanations of any shortcuts.
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
114
125
116
SM
54
74
111
TR
19
18
10
CS
16
18
In Austria the Ministry of Education supports the AFS programs. If Austrian students spend at
least a semester (5 month) abroad they don’t have to repeat the year, they can re-join their
class again and don’t have to re-sit any exams at school.
Scholarships for an AFS program in Austria
There are a number of scholarships offered in Austria. Fur further information please contact
the national AFS office.
1.3.
Orientations in Austria
During the year AFS offers different orientations for the host students as well as for the
candidates for the sending program. In the following table you can find all orientations
offered in Austria.
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arrival Camp
2nd Arrival Camp
When
End of August;
for SH
programs
January
End of
September/
Beginning of
October
Mid Year Camp
End of
February,
Beginning of
March
Evaluation Camp
End of May,
Beginning of
June
End of Stay
Depending on
the program:
November/
February/ July
Explanation
This orientation is organised by the national
office and takes place directly after the arrival of
the students. All the students hosted in Austria
participate. Duration: 3 days
One month after the arrival of the students each
chapter organises this orientation to see how
things are going, to check problems that have
arisen and to give the students another
opportunity to meet each other. Duration: 3 days
This orientation is also meant to be the 2nd
Arrival Orientation for the Semester Program
students that arrived in January. Usually 2-3
chapters organise this together for their host
students. We go deeper into intercultural
learning and work with the students on how they
can use their experiences. Duration: 2 days
This orientation is used to evaluate the stay of
the students and to prepare them for going back
home. In some chapters it is held together with
the preparation orientation for the sending
program. Some other chapters pool together and
organise it for the students staying in their
chapters. Duration: 2 days
This orientation is again organised by the
national office and takes place just before the
students go back home. Host students from all
over Austria participate. Duration: 1-2 days
Beside these orientations other activities are organised for the host students.
Volunteers visit all the host families before the students arrive and we also prepare an
afternoon so all the families can meet each other in the chapter. If it is a big chapter we
organise 2-3 afternoons in different locations. During the hosting experience, host families are
invited to participate in different activities. There are also host family meetings to give them
the possibility to share experiences.
Sending Orientations:
Name
Information and
Selection Orientation
Preparation Camp
Country Specific
Preparation
Returnee Camp
When
For NH
Programs
offered 4 times
a year:
October
(national wide
same date), end
of November,
end of January
and beginning
of March.
For SH
Programs one
orientation in
May
May for NH
Programs
November for
SH Programs
Explanation
This orientation is the opportunity to get to know
the candidates better and to give us a chance to
make a selection. The students get more
information about AFS and what they can expect
from an exchange. The weekend is also used for
a critical examination of our own culture and to
work on prejudices.
On the second afternoon a parents meeting is
organised where they get more information about
AFS and the programs.
The orientation is organised in each chapter.
Duration: 2 days
At this orientation students are prepared for their
stay abroad, learn more about intercultural
learning and we try to make them more sensitive
to prejudices. We talk about culture,
communication and conflicts.
All the students going abroad participate in this
camp organised in each chapter.
Duration: 2 days
June/ November All the students going to one country gather with
volunteers, who have been to that country and
are given specific information about that country
and can ask questions. Duration: one afternoon
September
The Returnee Orientation is an opportunity for
the students to talk once more about the
experiences during their stay, about their return
and their re-integration in Austria. The
assimilation of experiences, the cultural shock
when coming back, to settle back in again, to let
loose and working for AFS are the main topics.
Returnee Orientations are organized in each
chapter.
Duration: 2 days
Before the students leave on their program, volunteers visit their family to get to know the
family situation better and to give further information about the program. The students are
also invited to join some activities organised for host students in Austria.
Before the students come back from their year abroad we offer a preparation meeting for their
parents.
1.4.
AFS Journal
4 times a year the AFS journal “Intercultura” is published in Austria. Volunteers write articles.
1.5.
Contact
Postal Address: Maria-Theresien-Straße 9/6
A-1090 Vienna
Austria
Telephone Number: +43 – (0)1 – 319 25 20 – 0
Fax Number: +43 – (0)1 – 319 25 31 – 32
Web page: www.afs.at
E-mail: office@afs.at
2. AFS in Belgium (French Part)
2.1.
Programs
AFS Belgium (French Part) offers 3 different programs: The Year Program (YP), the
Trimester Program (TR) and the Work Programs (WP), which are separated into the
Community Service (CS) and the European Voluntary Service (EVS). The Community
Service program offers the possibility to work as a volunteer for an NGO (Non Governmental
Organisation) / NPO (Non Political Organisation); the European Voluntary Service offers the
same possibilities within the European Union.
Scholarships for an AFS program in Belgium (French Part)
There are scholarships offered in Belgium (French Part). Fur further information please
contact the national AFS office.
2.2.
Contact
Postal Address: Bld Brand Whitlock 132
B-1200 Bruxelles (Brussels) Belgium
Telephone Number: (32) (2) 743 8540
Web page: http://www.afsbelgique.be/
E-mail: info-belgium-french@afs.org
3. AFS in the Czech Republic
3.1.
Programs
In the Czech Republic 3 different programs are offered: the Year Program (YP), the Semester
Program (SM) and the Intensive Program (IP).
Scholarships for an AFS program in the Czech Republic
Some participants can use the scholarship provided by the Czech-German Friendship Fund.
Students pay about a half of the program fee. The scholarship is available only for the
students going to Germany.
3.2.
Orientations in the Czech Republic
Hosting Orientations:
There are three national hosting orientations:
- Language Orientation Camp
- Mid-Stay Orientation
- End of Stay Orientation
Some hosting orientations are on chapter level.
Except for the mandatory orientations, some local chapters have a Christmas Party,
presentations at schools, or other PR activities if students are interested.
Sending Orientations:
There is one mandatory national orientation.
3.3.
Contact
Postal Address:
110 00 Praha 1
Czech Republic
Zlatnicka 7
Telephone Number: +420 (2) 223 17 138 (+ answering machine)
+420 (2) 23 24 006
Office Fax: +420 (2) 23 24 006
E-Mail Address: info-czechrepublic@afs.org
4. AFS in Finland
4.1.
A short overview
Once a year a General Assembly is held in Finland where all the members of AFS Finland
choose the new National Board. This Board is in charge of the strategies: they develop the
organisation guidelines for the practical work done by the national office and by volunteers.
The head of the office is in charge of the results.
Under the National Board there are subcommittees and the office, which are in charge of
specific tasks such as the Trainers’ Pool, which is in charge of supporting the local chapters
by giving trainings or the Work Committee under the National Board, which prepares things
for the Board meetings. There are also work groups who are developed to fit different needs.
These are only set to do a certain job and after finishing they are dissolved.
The organisation chart shown below was shown at the AFS Finland’s General Assembly in
2003. It does not cover all the workgroups/committees that AFS Finland might have under the
office or under the Board at this moment. It is not an official chart from the national AFS
office.
MORAL OWNERS
General assembly
BOARD
strategies
- work commettee
- general assembly
- governance
- develops the volunteer work
Trainers pool
Results
HEAD OF OFFICE
practical work
OFFICE
Volunteers
Hosting
Sending
Other committees
At the end of 2004 there were 12 chapters in Finland:
1 Joensuu
2 Jyväskylä
3 Keski-Uusimaa
4 Kuopio
5 Lahti
6 Lappeenranta
7 Oulu
8 Pohjanmaa
9 Pori ja Rauma
10 Pääkaupunkiseutu
11 Tampere
12 Turku
The map given to you here is not an official map of the chapters, but it gives you an idea.
4.2.
Programs and participant numbers
AFS Finland offers 2 different programs for Finnish students: The Year Program (YP) and the
Semester Program (SM). In additional to these programs, AFS Finland host students from 2
others programs: the Trimester Program (TR) and summer programs which last for 3 weeks or
up to 1 month.
The following lists show the sending and hosting numbers of the years 2003 to 2005:
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
100
107
99
SM
16
12
13
TR
2
2
Summer Program
63
77
76
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
181
168
162
SM
4
3
8
Scholarships for an AFS program in Finland
There are a number of scholarships offered in Finland. Fur further information please contact
the national AFS office.
4.3.
Orientations in Finland
During the year AFS offers different orientations for the host students as well as for the
candidates for the sending program. In the following table you can find all orientations
offered in Finland:
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arriving Orientation
When
Usually 3-4
weeks after
arriving
Leaving Orientation
About a month
before leaving
Mid-Stay Orientation
In the middle of
the year
(January)
Explanation
The Arriving Orientation is organised by the
local chapters. The purpose of the orientation is
to introduce AFS Finland and a bit of Finnish
culture. Also the purpose of the AFS program is
repeated.
This orientation is also organised by the local
chapters. The purpose of the orientation is to go
through the year spent in Finland and to prepare
the students to face the leaving process and the
return to their own cultures again.
It is not compulsory to organise this orientation,
so only some chapters do it.
In most chapters there is an orientation for the host families before the students arrive and
during the year chapters have activities where families can come and share their experiences.
Sending Orientations:
Name
Sending Orientation
Return Orientation
When
Spring or at the
end of the year,
depending when
the students
leave
Hopefully about
a month after
returning
Explanation
The purpose of this orientation is to tell the
students a little bit about what to expect and to
explain the nature of an AFS school program.
The local chapters do the Return Orientation.
Not every student participates in this orientation,
as it is not compulsory, although AFS Finland
highly recommends it. The purpose is to go
through the year and to help the students
readjusting to Finnish culture.
Depending on the chapter there are more activities done before the students leave.
Contact
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 47
Eteläinen makasiinikatu 5 B 17
00131 Helsinki
Telephone Number: (+358) (0) 9 - 666 644
Fax: (+358) (0) 9 - 666 621
Webpage: www.afs.fi
E-mail: afsfin@afs.org
5. AFS in France
5.1.
Contact
Postal Address:
Rue du Commandant Jean Duhail 46
94120 Fontenay Sous Bois
France
Telephone Number: +33 (1) 45 14 03 10
Webpage: http://www.afs-fr.org/
E-mail: info-france@afs.org
6. AFS in Germany
6.1.
A short overview
The organisation chart of AFS Germany:
General Assembly
Staff
Hamburg(50)
Regional Office
Stuttgart(7~8)
West, East
Centre, North
Board(12)
Members
South
Local chapters(87)
A Chapter Map of AFS Germany:
Volunteers(2500)
85 Chapters
Cooperation between sent and hosted program participants, hosting families and shareholders,
learning about different cultures as well as forming friendships.
Aachen
Anhalt
Augsburg
Bamberg
Dortmund
Dresden
Düsseldorf
Erlangen
Heidelberg
Ilmenau
Karlsruhe
Kassel
Bayreuth
Essen
Kiel
Bayrisch
Untermain
Berlin
Bochum
Bonn
Brandenburg
Braunschweig
Frankfurt
Koblenz
Frankfurt/Oder
Freiburg
Köln
Konstanz
Leinebergland
Leipzig
Linker
Niederrhein
Lörrach
Lübeck
Lüneburg
Friedrichshafen
Gießen
Göttingen
Bremen
Bremerhaven
Celle
Greifswald
Halle
Hamburg
Chemnitz
Hamburg-ElbeNordsee
Hannover
HarburgSüderelbe
Cottbus
Darmstadt
München
Münster
Neustrelitz
NordfrieslandFlensburgSchleswig
Nördliches
Brandenburg
Nürnberg
Saarbrücken
Salzwedel
Schwarzwald-Baar
Schwäbisch-Hall
Oldenburg
Osnabrück
Ostfriesland
Ostthüringen
Ostwestfalen-Lippe
Stendal
Stuttgart
Südpfalz
Trier
Tübingen
Ulm
Wangen
Weimar
Ludwigsburg
Passau
Potsdam
Rechter
Niederrhein
Regensburg
Magdeburg
Marburg
Rosenheim
Rostock
Wuppertal
Würzburg
Schwerin
Siegen
Wiesbaden/Mainz
Program groups (Coordination and organisation of regional events)
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
North
West
Middle
East
South
Community Service Program (CSP) regional groups
♦
♦
♦
♦
North
West
East
South
Regional associations
Union of the chapters in the federal state, represented by a regional speaker.
6.2.
Programs and participant numbers
AFS is the biggest youth exchange organisation in Germany.
In Germany different programs are offered.
Hosting Numbers:
Year
Program
488
514
518
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
Semester
Program
122
128
163
Sending Numbers:
YP
916
868
1032
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
Semester
Program
(SM)
110
116
130
Scholarships for an AFS program in Germany
There are a number of scholarships offered in Germany. Fur further information please
contact the national AFS office.
6.3.
Contact
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 50 01 42
D-22701 Hamburg
Germany
Telephone Number: +49 (40) 399 2220
Fax Number: +49 (40) 399 222 99
Webpage: http://www.afs.de/
E-mail: info-germany@afs.org
7. AFS in Hungary
7.1.
A short overview
AFS Hungary first offered the Year Program in 1990. Since then the AFS spirit has touched
more than six hundred people in Hungary and more than eighty schools have been involved in
its activities. AFS Hungary is one of the youngest partners countries in the international
network and therefore it still has to make a lot of effort to improve.
AFS Hungary is active nationwide. The National Office is in Budapest and the local chapters
stretches out over the country to support students and volunteers closely at local level.
National Office
Budapest
Local Chapters
Békéscaba
Budapest
Debrecen
Eger
Győr
Hatvan
Kaposvár
Kiskunhalas
Mickolc
Nyíregyháza
Pécs
Szeged
Székesfehérvár
Veszprém
7.2.
Programs and participant numbers
In Hungry 4 different programs are offered: the Year Program (YP), the Semester Program
(SM), the Trimester Program (TR) and the Intensive Program (IP).
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
YP
49
69
SM
1
1
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
YP
83
90
TR
4
10
TR
1
0
IP
9
9
The Intensive Programs in Hungary are Folk Art Programs which contain:
- 2 weeks with host families
- 2 weeks in a folk art camp, learning from Hungarian artists
Scholarships for an AFS program in Hungary
There are different scholarships offered in Hungary.
- 3 months program to Austria for 5 students supported by the Austrian government
- Year Program to Germany supported by Baden-Würtemberg foundation for 6 students
(financial aid up to 1000 euros)
- Year Program of 1-1 exchange with Thailand, Egypt, and China (scholarship worth 4000
euros)
- Year Program for gypsy students to optional countries (scholarship worth 1000 euros)
- Sometimes there is a Coca-cola scholarship for participants going to English speaking
countries.
Fur further information please contact the national AFS office.
7.3.
Orientations in Hungary
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arrival Orientation
Mid-Term Orientation
1 week exchange
End of Stay Orientation
Hungarian Language Course
When
2 days in August, 2 days in September
2 days
In February
2 days
2×2 hours/week for 3 months
Other Activities:
- Santa Claus Party
- Local Parties
- Optional tours to other European countries
Sending Orientations:
Name
Sending Orientation
7.4.
Contact
Postal Address: AFS Magyarország
Alkotás u. 37. l/6.
1123 Budapest
When
1.5 months before the departure
Telephone Number: +36 (1) 225 0826
Fax number: +36 (1) 214 9972
Web page: www.afs.hu
E-mail: info-hungary@afs.org
8. AFS in Italy
8.1.
A short overview
We have 2 offices; one in Rome for PR with the Ministry and the main office is in Tuscany.
There are about 20 staff members, divided into areas: hosting programs, sending programs,
administration, public relations, then there is a general secretary and an administration board,
which is elected every 3 years.
Chapter Map of AFS Italy:
8.2.
Programs and participant numbers
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
299
323
352
SM
60
75
N/A goal: 86
TR
29
33
16
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
399
470
473
SM
66
99
106
TR
38
49
53
Scholarships for an AFS program in Italy
There are a number of scholarships offered in Italy. Fur further information please contact the
national AFS office.
8.3.
Contact
Direzione Programmi Centro di Formazione Interculturale
Postal Address:
Via Gracco del Secco, 100
53034 Colle Val d'Elsa (Siena)
Telephone Number: 0577 90.00.11
Webpage: http://www.intercultura.it
E-mail: info-italy@afs.org
9. AFS in Japan
9.1.
Orientations in Japan
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Year Program
Year Program
Hosting
Date
Explanation
March (cycle 1)
September (cycle
2)
Local Orientation
May
Mid year Orientation
August
End of Stay
January
Year Program
Departure
February (Cycle1)
July (Semester
students & cycle
2)
Arrival Orientation: give some basic
information and allows the participants to
recover from the long trip.
(organised by each regional office)/YP
Share the experience. Discussion 1 (organised
by each chapter) /YP
Share the experience and motivate for the next
half-year. Discussion 2 (organised by each
chapter)/YP
Share the experience. Prepare for going back to
home countries. Discussion 3 (organised by
each chapter)/YP
Departure day: Accompany students to the
airport so they can go back home (organised by
national office)/YP
Other Programs
ASEAN receiving
September
Arrival Orientation: give some basic
information and allow the participants to
recover from the long trip.
(organised by each regional office)/ASEAN
Program
Sending Orientations:
Name
Placement
Information Camp
Date
One year before
Departure
Explanation
The first orientation for the exchange student.
They have already been selected. For the family
placement, volunteers have to write the
placement information after the orientation.
In the orientation the main thing they discuss is
about how they can prepare for this one year
before departure etc.
Selection Camp
One year before
Departure
Sending Orientation
Before
Almost same as the Placement Information
Camp. The difference between PIC is, in the
Selection Camp they have selection interviews
and activities during the orientation. The
students can change the country after the
orientation if they want.
The last orientation before departure. To
(Year Program
Sending (YPs)
Departure
Midstay Orientation
Between PI/SC
and YPs
Re-entry Orientation
After one year
exchange
participate in this orientation the students have to
have taken the PI or SC.
In the orientation, they talk about and share their
feelings, how to face the problems in each
country and how stay motivated etc.
Only for the students who could not join the
chapter level activities between PI/SC and YPs,
which depart in summer (cycle 2).
The purpose is to make clear vision for having
an exchange program.
They talk, share and think about what they have
learnt during their exchange year, what can we
do to achieve peace in the world and so on.
We do not force the participants to take this
orientation.
10. AFS in Portugal
10.1. A short overview
The organisation chart of the AFS Portugal:
Representative at
the CNJ
General assembly
Strategic plan
group
Office
Training group
Board
Members
Local chapters
Volunteers
Intercultura-AFS Portugal is considered an “Instituição de Utilidade Pública“ and due to its
importance as a youth organisation Intercultura-AFS Portugal has a seat at the National Youth
Counsel (CNJ).
Chapter Map of AFS Portugal:
Núcleo Porto
Núcleo Tábua
Quiaios
Leiria
Pombal
Domingos
Sequeira
Local Chapter
Grande
Lisboa
Ribatejo
Costa
Azul
Intercultura
School Club
Sudoeste
Alentejano
An Intercultura School Club consists of a club (installed in a secondary or a grammar school),
where the teacher in charge organises intercultural activities and also plays games with the
students, making them think about AFS goals and encourages them to think globally.
10.2. Programs and participant numbers
AFS Portugal offers different programs: the Year Program (YP), the Semester Program (SM),
the Trimester Program (TR) and the Community Service (CS). There are also the EVS
European Volunteer Service, Language Courses (minimum 2 weeks, several countries) and
Adventure Programs (promoted by AFS partners).
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
48
53
56
TR
2
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
27
31
33
Scholarships for an AFS program in Portugal
There are scholarships offered in Portugal. Fur further information please contact the national
AFS office.
10.3. Orientations in Portugal
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arrival Camp
Date
September
Orientation Camp
October
Arrival Camp
Semester
Mid year Camp
Farewell Camp
January
Departure Camp
June
June
Explanation
Camp with all the students coming to Portugal
on Year program and Trimester program.
There are two orientation camps these take place
at the same time. The students go to the one
closer to the place where s/he’s hosted.
Camp with all the students coming to Portugal
In this camp the students have the opportunity to
prepare themselves for their departure (realising
that the program in Portugal is almost over)
The students are taken to the airport just in time
for their departure.
Sending Orientations:
Name
Selection (Group) I
Date
November
Selection (Group) II
February
Explanation
For candidates that enrol until the beginning of
November.
In the selection camps we get to know the
candidates as they are confronted with several
activities that help us to evaluate the candidate’s
skills. As at the same we make them see that
they may have some prejudices.
(Friday afternoon until Sunday after lunch)
For candidates that enrol since the first selection
until the beginning February.
(Friday afternoon until Sunday after lunch)
Orientation (Group) I
March
Orientation (Group) II
Exchange weekend
April
Final Orientation (I &
II)
& Parents meeting
July
10.4. Contact
Postal Address: Rua de Santa Justa, 38-4º
1100-485 Lisboa
Telephone Number: (+351) 21 324 70 70
Fax: 21 324 70 79
Webpage: http://www.intercultura-afs.pt
E-mail: info-portugal@afs.org
Here the candidate is given tips in order for
him/her to handle different cultures, people that
have not only different opinions but also
different beliefs and ways of living.
(Friday afternoon until Sunday after lunch)
For the candidates of the Selection II
We send a letter to each candidate giving him the
name of another candidate asking them to
exchange families for a weekend
In this final camp we want the students to think
back on everything that they are living and at the
same time to make them realise that what they
are going to experience is a once in a lifetime
experience and that they have an important role
in overcoming all the problems that may occur
during the program.
For this camp the candidates also have to
prepare a presentation about Portugal.
(Friday afternoon until Sunday after lunch. On
Sunday afternoon there is a parents meeting
where they have the opportunity to clear up any
doubts that they still have, and at the same time
realise that just like them there are several
families also with the same doubts and fears).
11. AFS in Slovakia
11.1. A short overview
The national office is in Bratislava. There are 2 staff members working in the office.
11.2. Programs and participant numbers
In Slovakia 3 different programs are offered: the Year Program (YP), the Semester Program
(SM) and the Intensive Program (IP).
Scholarships for an AFS program in Slovakia
There are a number of scholarships offered in Slovakia. Fur further information please contact
the national AFS office.
11.3. Orientations in Slovakia
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arrival orientation
Date
September
Explanation
When the exchange students arrived in the
country, they have an arrival orientation for a
few days.
11.4. Contact
Postal Address:
Gajova 17
81108 Bratislava
Telephone Number: +421 (2) 526 36 -091 or -092
Webpage: www.afsslovakia.sk
E-mail:
info-slovakia@afs.org
12. AFS in Sweden
12.1. A short overview
In Sweden there are 5 people working in the office. Their responsibilities are: hosting,
sending, counselling (part-time), finances (part-time) and the National Director.
The Board of Directors is elected by the General Assembly, consisting of 8 volunteers from
different parts of the country. They are elected for 2 years in a row.
There are at the moment 4 chapters in the southern part of the country:
Malmö
Lund
Karlstad
Kronoberg
- in the south of Sweden
- in the south of Sweden
- in the west midlands of the country
- in the south of Stockholm
12.2. Programs and participant numbers
AFS is the biggest youth exchange organisation in Sweden. AFS offers different programs
depending on the country: there is the Year Program (YP) and the Community Service (CS).
The main program is the school program (YP).
Hosting Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
124
80
74
Sending Numbers:
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
YP
76
71
49
CS
21
13
10
Scholarships for an AFS program in Sweden
There are no scholarships offered in Sweden right now. Fur further information please contact
the national AFS office.
12.3. Orientations in Sweden
Hosting Orientations:
Name
Arrival orientation
Date
August
Mid-year stay
The end of Jan.
End-of-stay
The end of
June.
Explanation
When the students arrive in Sweden in August
they travel straight to the arrival camp in
Stockholm, where they spend 3 days in an
orientation camp with language classes. The
camp is a helpful tool for them to discuss and
learn more about Sweden, Swedish life and the
Swedish language.
The focus during this camp is to give you an
opportunity to reflect upon your stay in Sweden through games, role-plays, discussions and not
the least - a lot of fun spending time together.
Before the students go home they will be able to
spend 24 hours with all the students before
getting on the plane back home.
Sending Orientations:
Name
NH
Sending orientation
Date
June
SH
Sending orientation
January
12.4. Contact
Postal Address: Tullsgårdsgatan 10
S-116 68 Stockholm
Sweden
Telephone Number: +46 (8) 406 00 00
Webpage: www.afs.se
E-mail:
info-sweden@afs.org
Explanation
AFS Sweden has an orientation in June in
Stockholm for all the students going
on the program (Northern Hemisphere).
There is also an orientation for all the students
going on Southern Hemisphere programs in
January in Stockholm.