Preparation for full application
From AFSWiki
These are tips from Student Services to help you prepare students for the full application once they have finished submitting a preliminary application.This is not a complete list, but is meant to be a guide to the things that are likely to be most time-consuming.
Do you have a pen? I’d like to share with you some tips on your next steps in the process. Now that you have completed the preliminary application, you should be receiving an email from your Student Services Advisor with the link to full application within 3 business days. If you have any questions about the full application, or you do not receive the email, please contact your Student Services advisor, (Note:staff divisions may be found here: Sending Staff).
1. Make Doctor’s appointment: A doctor must fill out the Health Certificate Forms 3A/3B (and 3C if applicable) within a year of departure. The doctor can not be related to you. (Review forms while at Dr’s office to make sure they are complete before leaving).
2. Take Academic form to School: A school official must sign, and seal/stamp the AFS academic record Form 7, which must have three years of courses and grades filled out. We encourage (but don’t require) you to include an official copy of your transcript, but courses and grades still must be transcribed directly onto the Form 7.
3. Schedule Interview: You will need to set up an in-home interview with your parents and a local volunteer if the interviewer is the volunteer speaking to the student, let’s set this up now! if another volunteer will do the interview Give your volunteer a call and set up a time for an in-home interview. This is very important!!
4. Get Parent Signatures: You will need both of your parents’ signatures on the Form 10 in order for your application to be considered complete. If student indicates this will be difficult, see Form 10 Signature Guidelines, and advise the student to be in touch with his/her sending advisor.
5. Apply for Passport: You will need a passport to go abroad. You should apply now, since a late passport could cause problems later. For more instructions, and to find the closest Passport Facility, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return home. When you get your passport, please send a scan or copy of the inside picture page to Student Services.
- Non-US citizens: Must include a copy of foreign passport and travel documentation permitting stay in US (visa, green card, etc.) with AFS App.
- Non-US citizens: Must include a copy of foreign passport and travel documentation permitting stay in US (visa, green card, etc.) with AFS App.
6. Create Photo page: You will need to put together a color photo collage, or collection of photos to accompany your hostfamily letter. Keep in mind that these photos will be your hostfamily’s first visual introduction to you! Try to include photos of yourself with family, friends, or pets, and any hobbies or activities you might enjoy.
7. Get reference letter: (Letters of recommendation are welcome for all programs, but only required if applying for academic programs). You will need a letter from an academic-subject teacher, preferably one who has known you for a while. Take into consideration how long it will take your teacher to write a letter and submit it to AFS.
In general, when filling out your full application, strive for excellence and assure that each section is completely filled out as instructed.
If you plan to mail a hard copy of the application to Student Services rather than using the standard online submission process, it is vital that you make and keep a copy of the full application before mailing the originals to Student Services.
