AFS India Newsletter | April 2023

Page 1

THE IMPACT Newsletter

In this issue:

Page 2 In Leadership: AFS India Board, read what motivates AFS India Board Member, Ravi Pandurang Pandit to volunteer with AFS

Page 3 Get inspired by Dr Arvind N Agrawal, AFS Returnee of the 1960s to know the transformative power of exchange

Page 4-5​​ In Expanding Outreach section, read to know the various collaborative efforts of AFS in India and abroad

Page 6 -7 In Member School Stories, read an interesting narrative of an educator from AFS India Member School, Daly College, Indore

Page 8 Read about 17 years of volunteering experience of Swetal Gajjar, President, AFS Chapter - Ahmedabad

Page 9​ In Sponsored Stories, get to know about the experience of Aditya Nalkande, Participant, Asia Kakehashi Project 2022-23

Page 10 In Hosting Stories, Kacey Taylor, Host Student from USA served some hours of community service during the program

Page 11 In Sending Stories, hear from Aanshu Dhoot, Participant, Year Program 2022-23 (Italy)

Page 12-13​​ In Host School Stories, read the benefits of hosting exchange students from AFS Host School, DLF Public School, Ghaziabad

Page 14-15​​ Domestic Class Exchange Stories, feature two exchange stories where 9 schools across India were involved

Page 16​ In Virtual Program Stories, get to know about the collaboration with AFS USA to provide full scholarship for GCC Educator to 15 Indian educators

Page 17​ In Special Programs, explore AFS Short Term Program Turkey for high school students starting from December 2023.

www.india.afs.org

Cover Photo Credit: Param Goel, Participant AFS Year Program Italy 2022-23 from The Emerald Heights International School, Indore

LEADERSHIP

Mr. Ravi Pandit, is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience spanning over three decades With his impressive background in finance and leadership, Mr. Pandit brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to the cause of intercultural understanding through his voluntary work with AFS India.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Pandit has held leadership roles in renowned Indian conglomerates, including the Tatas, Bajaj, Essar, Walchand, and Global Group. As a Company Secretary, he played a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of Board meetings and AGMs, as well as in fostering relationships with independent directors and institutional investors.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, it is Mr. Pandit's exemplary character and his ability to find solutions to complex problems that have endeared him to his colleagues and those around him. His amiable nature, combined with his exceptional communication skills, has made him a trusted advisor to chairmen, directors, and CEOs, sought after for his guidance on matters of strategic importance.

One might wonder why someone with such a demanding career and a list of achievements would choose to volunteer his time and expertise for AFS India. This is what he believes in…

Volunteering for AFS India: A Journey of Purpose

Society has given us so much that we should try giving back to society to the best of our abilities. To do this effectively, one needs a platform and there is little that one can do in his/her individual capacity It is precisely in such a situation that an institution like AFS plays a big role, that selflessly keeps promoting peace, unity and harmony through its intercultural programs at a global level.

I have seen firsthand how AFS participants' lives are transformed, as they become responsible global citizens embracing diversity and driving positive change.

Leveraging my expertise in finance and management, I strive to add value to AFS India. With experience in strategic decision-making, IPOs, mergers and legal matters, I offer valuable insights to effectively manage resources and expand AFS's reach

Let us celebrate our shared commitment to intercultural understanding and work together towards a brighter future for generations to come.

Page02|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

Dr Arvind N Agrawal, AFS Alumni 1967-68 & Former AFS India Board Member

The Transformative Power of AFS Exchange Programs: A Life-Changing Journey

Participating in an AFS exchange program had a profound impact on my life, expanding my perspectives and transforming me into an inclusive leader with a global mindset. Placed in an American family in Northbrook near Chicago, I experienced a wellorganized and disciplined household. Lively conversations during meals, regardless of age, left a lasting impression on me.

Attending Glenbrook North High School was transformative. Seeing me Struggle with American History, my teacher offered additional lessons after class, showing genuine care

I also observed the Student Council's democratic debates and spoke about India in local community gatherings, boosting my confidence and fluency in English. This immersion fostered a deep understanding of different customs, traditions, and ways of thinking, preparing me for the globalized world. Overcoming challenges like adapting to a new education system and language barriers built resilience and adaptability.

The academic experience was invaluable, studying subjects like computer science, literature, history, physics, and math. Emphasizing self-study, project work, and engaging discussions, this approach sharpened my thinking capabilities and fueled my curiosity to learn Participating in the AFS exchange developed essential 21st-century skills, improving my teamwork and communication through collaboration with diverse peers.

Over the years, my bond with the host family has grown stronger. They visited India multiple times; attended my children's weddings and we enjoyed holidays in Ladakh, Agra & Jaipur. Whenever I visit the USA, I make it a point to meet them. Recently, my wife and I stayed in their lovely house in Loveland, Colorado, by the Rocky Mountains.

Looking back, this transformative journey prepared me for personal and professional success. The AFS exchange program opened doors to endless opportunities, allowing me to thrive and positively impact the world

Page03|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
ALUMNI

EXPANDING

Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Workshop at USA

ECA Programs Workshop in Alexandria, VA. ECA (Education and Cultural Affairs) conference hosted by AFS USA from 16 - 21 March 2023 for volunteers and international staff involved in implementing US Department of State sponsored programs. Attendees learnt and shared cultural insights to better facilitate the program, prepare the participants and support them while on the program.

Diya Badgel, National Director, AFS India visited several schools in Chicago, Illinois between 22-26 March 2023 with the objective of learning and observing the working of American schools, their education system and the overall learning environment. The schools visited during this time were:

• Francis W Parker School

• Walter Payton Prep High School

• Lincoln Park High School

• Romeoville School

• Ogden International School

She also met Delwin Santosh, Indian YES 2022-23 participant in his school and found him confident and equipped with enhanced skillset.

YES Alumni Changemaker Program and ECA Workshop (13 – 17 March 2023) helped me acquire essential skills such as community mapping, design thinking, setting smart goals, raising public awareness and mastering effective storytelling techniques.

- Umang Jasani, YES Program Alumnus 2011-12

AFS Asia and the Pacific Initiative AAI Meet at Tokyo, Japan

AAI (AFS Asia and the Pacific Initiative) Members met in Tokyo after 3 years of extremely challenging COVID-19 years from 10 – 14 March 2023. 81 delegates, board members, staff and volunteers from 10 partners of AAI region met at Harumi, Tokyo.

Page04|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

North East India Visit for Schools & Institutional Collaboration

Ms Roma Shah, President, AFS Chapter – Indore visited Assam for a family function. To expand AFS outreach, she visited/met representatives of a few schools, colleges and organizations in the nearby region of North East India between 31 March and 10 April 2023.

S. No. School/College/Organisation

1 Siksha Valley School, Dibrugarh, Assam

2 UCC School and College, Umiam, Meghalaya

3 Representatives from 12 schools attended the meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jowai Meghalaya

4 North Liberty Higher Secondary School

5 Tome Memorial Secondary School, Jowai Meghalaya

6 Little Angels Secondary School, Jowai Meghalaya

7 Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Jowai Meghalaya

8 Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Mihngi Higher Secondary School, Jowai Meghalaya

9 Tpepale Higher Secondary School, Jowai Meghalaya

10 Thomas Jones Synod College, Jowai Meghalaya

11 Kiang Nangbah College, Jowai Meghalaya

12 St. Edmunds School, Shillong, Meghalaya

13 Maria’s Public School Guwahati, AFS Member

14 Met Dr. Amiya Sharma, Executive Director, Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi (RGVN) to discuss the possibilities of community services for the underserved in the area.

In-Person Meetings for Program Promotion & Collaboration

Page05|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
31 March 2023 School, 31 March 2023 Pathways World School, Aravali 6 April 2023 Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer 13 April 2023 DLF Public School, Ghaziabad 17 April 2023 People's University Bhopal at Office 21 April 2023 AFS Chapter - Pune Visit 26 April 2023 AFS Chapter - Ahmedabad Visit

MEMBER SCHOOL

Education beyond Academics - The role of study abroad programs

A Stimulating Activity…

Once upon a time, there was a teacher – Miss M, who entered her high school classroom and without saying a single word, plugged in a video for her students to see.

The video showed them their school cafeteria and the scrumptious snacks served every day, and the famous cafes in their city. Within a minute it segued to some of the most impoverished places in the world Places the students hadn’t thought about or read about apart from perhaps some Geography lessons.

The students who were smiling and chattering about suddenly fell silent, not being able to peel their eyes away from the scenes of abject poverty and malnutrition. Some felt tears welling up, including Miss M. She paused the video. She had their undivided attention; she then showed them the Global Hunger Index.

She asked the students to work in pairs and research world hunger, choosing a country from the Index they had seen. She then gave them a week to devise an action plan for what they felt they could do from where they were

By the end of the week, the class had a plan ready for rallying the school community to contribute food, clothes, shoes and other basic amenities for smaller communities within the world’s most deprived countries.

Educators’ Role

Miss M supplied a tiny spark of curiosity in her students, subsequently firing the light of empathy within them, which materialised into a concrete course of action that’d make the world a better place.

Curiosity is not only a congenital trait but also an exquisite attribute of one’s personality that can be polished and brightened to add a special sparkle to one’s heart and mind. Once curiosity is piqued, empathy, driven by balanced inquiry, is not far behind.

This is where the role of a well-rounded, well-read and open-minded educator comes in. The more opportunities educators offer to students to keep them curious and pondering, the more empathetic they will become, eventually metamorphosizing into better, stronger and more righteous global citizens and future world leaders In this regard, AFS programs for Educators like the GCC and Effect+ are the ideal catalysts.

AFS Affects Change

With intercultural awareness, appreciation and sensitivity as the hallmark of the organization, it is my firm belief AFS has the power to (as MJ’s famous chorus goes) ‘heal the world’. AFS has been engendering positive transformation in the world by inspiring the young and old alike to break their mental fetters and live an enriched life that leaves a positive impact on the community and consequently, the world.

Page06|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
Daly College, Indore Educator Shweta Verma

Testimonials of Dalian AFSers

My experience of AFS Global Up Teen program with Mr. Madhusudhan was transformative and life-changing. Through engaging online sessions, I expanded my global awareness and gained valuable insights on sensitive topics like micro-aggressions, privilege, inequality, inner conflicts. Now, as a global citizen, I actively explore diverse perspectives, practice empathy, and handle conflicts better.

The GCC Program is a wonderful experience, exploring diverse human interactions and global aspects. It equips us with tools to be responsible global citizens: approaching cultural differences, embracing our identity, rejecting stereotypes, and prioritizing empathy.

My Denmark experience has been thrilling and transformative! Being far from home, the unique schooling system, engaging in activities like sailing and wall climbing, and adapting to a new culinary culture have fueled my curiosity and enriched my life. It's hard to believe I'm already halfway through my stay. The welcoming people here have made it even more special. I'll miss this place dearly.

Page07|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
- Pranit Palod, AFS GCC Teen 2023 - Vanshika Sangla, AFS GCC Teen 2023 Gunjan Singhania, AFS Short Stay Program – Denmark, April 2023

VOLUNTEERS ARE

Swetal Gajjar, AFS Chapter - Ahmedabad

My journey with AFS

I was introduced to AFS and student exchange in the year 2007 when my nephew went on an exchange in the YES Program, and they hosted an Italian student in 2008. I was fascinated by the concept of student exchange and the thought behind it of building global relationships and getting to know each other's cultures and better understanding them

I connected to AFS in August 2010 when my daughter was in grade 10 and she was given the opportunity of student exchange in the YES Program. She went to the US in the year 2011-12. Since then, my family and I have been active volunteers at AFS.

The very next year, we hosted an Italian girl (2012-13), it was such an amazing experience, to have someone spend almost a year in your home, coming as a stranger but leaving as a family member. We are still connected to her, and since then she has visited India thrice with different family members. There are still moments when my relatives bring up memories from her exchange and remember her love for Indian food

Apart from that my family has been a temporary host family, and a short-term host family for volunteers and students during Navaratri and other occasions. I was on the Volunteer exchange program to Thailand in the year 2013, for increasing awareness of AFS among school students. I was one of the key members in organizing events in the Ahmedabad chapter, like the 10th AVM organized in 2016, and multiple Navratri events which brought together volunteers and exchange students from all over India.

I participated in the community service program organized by YALE University in Kakelao, Rajasthan in the years 2014 and 2015 as a link between the local people and YALE volunteers I was part of a community service program in 2019 in Gandhinagar Apart from that I was involved in co-conducting the Mid-term orientation of Hosting Students in 2019, Support Trainer of ICL W Level – Kadi Chapter, and Member of the Volunteer Think Tank since 2018 (VTT).

My role within the Ahmedabad chapter has also evolved with changing years. Starting as a father of an exchange student in 2011, I became the Chapter President (since 2022). I had different roles through these years like volunteer coordinator, sending support team, sending coordinator, hosting support team, and chapter Vice president. Out of these years, I spent maximum time being a sending coordinator, being a part of the selection process, interviews, orientations, discovery day etc from preparing students for the exchange year, seeing them grow as human beings, seeing their progress during the exchange year, and after the year, seeing so much positive change and growth in the students and their families.

I am proud to be a small part of the huge impact that AFS creates globally.

Page08|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

SPONSORED

Aditya Dnyandev Nalkande, Asia Kakehashi Project 2022-23, Pune Chapter

Hello Everyone!! My name is Aditya Nalkande and I was awarded the highly esteemed scholarship of Asia Kakehashi Project to Japan in the batch 2022-23. There, I had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture and learn about how different it is from Indian culture in terms of lifestyle, traditions, academics, and law. I would like to share my story regarding my meeting with the Mayor of Kitakyushu City, Japan On 8 March 2023, I had the chance to meet Mr Kizuhisa Takeuchi, the Mayor of Kitakyushu City, where I had spent the first nine months of the program staying with a host family.

The meeting was surreal for me, we were met by the personnel of the Municipal Building who took us to the Mayor's office. He greeted me and another Turkish student with utmost sincerity and hospitality. He discussed our study abroad experience in Japan as well as the Asia Kakehashi program. Then we each delivered our brief speech to him in turns Following that, the office gave us gifts, including ‘Galaxy Express 999’ apparel This anime's manga creator is from Kitakyushu After the meeting, we spoke with the city hall employees and were interviewed by the press media. Meeting Mr. Kizuhisa Takeuchi was a big delight for me and this was a lovely experience. I found a lot of inspiration from him. I am really appreciative of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu City Hall and AFS. One day, I hope to return to Kitakyushu.

Page 09|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

HOSTING

Kacey Taylor, a resident of the USA hosted in AFS Chapter - Ahmedabad under YES Abroad Program sponsored by the Department of State, USA found the selfless work of Tresna Foundation motivational. She has done community service at Tresna and became a shining star with her commitment in such a short span of time.

Tresna Foundation with values of empathy and humanity being the forte has traversed with like-minded people in a short duration. The ideals have entwined individuals from different regions and walks of life to partner with us. Kacey readily joined the team and volunteered

Her benevolent nature towards young children being a young girl herself is outstanding. Kacey's dedication has won the hearts of little children and her active participation in education, outdoor games and extracurricular activities is praiseworthy.

Kacey Taylor, YES Abroad 2022-23, USA, hosted in Ahmedabad
Page10|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

SENDING

Aanshu Dhoot, Year Program 2022-23 Italy

I arrived in Sardinia which is one of the islands of Italy, in November. I live in a small town called Villacidro, with a population of about 15,000 people in contrast to my life in India where I stayed in Mumbai with a population of about 20 million. I was really scared at first when I got to know that I was placed in a small town where only a percent of the population could speak English and I hardly knew any Italian. As a topping, people here spoke a local dialect called Sardo, particular to this island which is a totally different language

The cuisine of both countries is different and was hard to adapt at first, but as time went by, I got more comfortable with it. My host family had come to pick me up at the airport and when my host mother saw me at the airport, she hugged me and we started crying and all my nervousness melted away. My younger sister had made a big welcome poster and my father had brought me a bouquet of flowers

On my first day, my classmates made a welcome board for me, written in Hindi. I met the local exchange students who, like me, spoke different languages and came from different cultures, we connected very quickly and now have a good bonding. Playing with children is the best way to learn a language and I benefited from that as my sister is 8 We share a room and play a lot together Now after 4 months, memories of the new year with friends, Sundays with family, Christmas celebrations, and language are home to me. I learned the local language and joined rhythmic gymnastics and volleyball classes.

I had never dreamt of catching buses and getting seats or visiting the local market on my own, but being on this journey I learnt to be self –sufficient among many other things I cannot imagine going back and leaving everything behind. I feel really fortunate to have gotten this opportunity.

I have learned more things in these 8 months than in my whole life.

Page11|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

H OST SCHOOL

Benefits of Hosting an International Exchange Student

If you want to make a difference in the world, consider hosting an international high school exchange student. It’s a rewarding experience that you’ll never forget.

The Vision of DLF Public School is to prepare caring, courageous, and concerned citizens of the world, for the world, which happens to be fully aligned with the first aspect of Hosting an International Exchange Student.

India has been hosting international exchange students since the 5th Century AD, going back to Chinese pilgrims, travellers, writers and philosophers who frequented the Nalanda University. The time-honoured Sanskrit maxim "Atithi Devo bhava" loosely translates to Guest is God, which precisely encapsulates the ideal attitude towards guests in the Indian ethos

In keeping with that tradition, our students, or Delfites, as we call them, and their families have shown great keenness and excitement at the prospect of hosting International students. We think it is one of the easiest and the most effective ways of widening one's horizon and learning about the sensibilities of people from foreign cultures without having to travel.

Needless to say, this program is the perfect platform to promote harmony and peace through cultural exchange, as the host school becomes an unofficial ambassador for the partner countries. We are thankful to AFS for promoting this initiativeone that will hopefully make the world a more peaceful place to live in

Long lasting bonds are built that transcend borders and language. By the end of the session, every International student has a home and a family in India. Many students have come back to their host families for a second or third visit at their own expense, so strong is the bond even if built over a short span of time

DLF Public School Ghaziabad
Page12|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
Ms Swagata Ganguly Educator

Host Family, 2018-19

“Hosting an exchange student is a life-changing experience for both the host family and the student. This was certainly my case as my family hosted Carson Bennink, an exchange student from the USA, who stayed with us and we had a wonderful time. It was an incredibly enriching experience as we met new people, and learned about different customs and traditions together.

We had grown so close to him that it was hard to imagine life without him. But we knew that he would always be a part of our family. Hosting an exchange student has not only given us an opportunity to learn about a different culture, but it has also created a lasting bond that we will treasure forever Overall, hosting an exchange student can be an incredibly rewarding experience that creates lasting memories and an incredible experience that brings us all closer together. I would love to host again if given the opportunity.”

Host SiblingAnwesha Sharma

“I have been part of AFS for the past 1 year. Our Family has hosted Elizabeth, YES Abroad Program Participant from the USA. I have seen many changes within myself, my family, and Elizabeth, as a result of hosting her. There is a special lifelong bond that has grown between me and her I loved teaching her Hindi as well as being able to go and explore different places with her, teaching her more about our culture along the way. As a result, I gained a new perspective not only about India but the US as well. My younger brother could also converse with her in English, improving his English. While being a part of AFS, I met many new, diverse people from different countries. It was a great experience hosting her and I would recommend it to others”

Page13|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

DOMESTIC

6 Schools hosted by RKKGPS Jodhpur | 10 – 17 April 2023

Resonating with these words, a successful Inter-Cultural Exchange Program (under the aegis of AFS India) was held in Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur from 10 to 17 April 2023 which set a great example of camaraderie and togetherness. A total of six schools participated in this exchange namely

• Amity International School, New Delhi (Amity Group of Schools)

• Maa Anandmayee Memorial School, Raiwala, Dehradun

• Pinegrove School, Solan, Dharampur, Himachal Pradesh

• Queens’ College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

• Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

• Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School, Boisar, Maharashtra

This week-long exchange offered a bouquet of adventures to young delegates and they had a first-hand experience of the hospitality of Rajasthani culture. They not only enjoyed the intercultural learning but also were engaged in the community service program

Page14|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer & Hollotoli School, Dimapur | 13 – 17 April 2023

Certain experiences leave an indelible mark and the visit to Mayo College Girls' School, Ajmer is certainly one of those enduring memories. On 13 April 2023, we commenced our adventure . Originally a boys' school established in 1875 by Lord Mayo, Mayo College witnessed a transformative change in 1987 when Jamila Singh founded Mayo College Girls' School.

During our visit, we attended classes and noticed the students' remarkable enthusiasm for taking tests without any complaints. We also had the opportunity to visit Mayo Boys' School. The campus was stunning, adorned with various bird species, including our national bird, peacock. The school organized several trips for us to Ajmer, Pushkar, and Jaipur Apart from the beautiful campus and the friendly people at Mayo, we want to highlight the delicious meals and engaging activities provided by the school. Mayo College students exhibited responsibility, intelligence and confidence.

We also participated in the cultural morning program, where our friends taught us Bollywood dance moves. We had the chance to present a hymnal song in our dialect and recite a Hindi poem, promoting intercultural learning as advocated by AFS During our stay, we learned to be more open-minded, embracing and respecting the diverse cultures that exist in our country. We developed a deeper appreciation for the customs and lifestyles of people living in different regions.

Page15|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

VIRTUAL PROGRAM

Global Up with GCC Educator in Collaboration with AFS USA

It is important for AFS to be seen as an exchange organization that is building partnerships and relationships with local schools. In collaboration and support from AFS USA, we offered 15 sponsored seats for Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Educator Program. It is completely sponsored by AFS USA. This program will help in establishing stronger ties between countries with the hope that these relationships will result in higher number of students taking up AFS programs and a higher number of schools willing to host AFS Program students.

67 Teachers from 49 schools from India applied for this Global Up GCC For Educator Program sponsored by AFS USA. Here is the List of 15 schools from 15 unique states from India. From each school, 1 teacher is participating in the program.

Global competence is the “power skill” young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world and global economy. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges and help more people benefit from a global economy

Partial Scholarship by AFS India for its volunteers, alumni or member schools and member institutes.

To know more about the program, scan the QR code. Write to bulbul.kashyup@afs.org, if you would like to register or have questions about the program

Page16|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023
S. No. State or Union Territory in India City School 1 Karnataka Bengaluru Global City International School 2 Rajasthan Gotan LK Singhania Education Centre 3 Telangana Hyderabad The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur 4 Chhattisgarh Raipur Rajkumar College, Raipur 5 Tamil Nadu Coimbatore SSVM World School, Coimbatore 6 Maharashtra Mumbai St. Mathew's High School & Junior College 7 Madhya Pradesh Gwalior Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior 8 Gujarat Rajkot Rajkumar College, Rajkot 9 Punjab Patiala The British Co-Ed High School 10 Uttarakhand Dehradun Unison World School 11 Uttar Pradesh Noida Pacific World School 12 Assam Dibrugarh Shiksha Valley School 13 Haryana Gurugram Pathways World School, Aravali 14 West Bengal Kolkata Lakshmipat Singhania Academy 15 Himachal Pradesh Dharampur Pinegrove School, Dharampur
Jill Woerner, Director of Education & External Outreach to Schools, AFS USA visited Pathways World School, Aravali Gurgaon

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

AFS Short Term Program Turkey Dec 2023 – Feb 2024

4-week of school and 2-week of semester break in the Southern city of Adana

Participants will arrive directly to Adana where our volunteers and local staff will meet them at the airport. The next day will be the Arrival Orientation held in the city. Students will meet their host families on Sunday afternoon, when they come to the orientation venue to pick them up. School starts early on Monday and they will have classes for four full weeks (except January 1st) since Turkey doesn't celebrate Christmas. The 3rd week of January is usually when the Semester Break for all high schools is scheduled. Students will be together with their host families enjoying the break together.

At the end of the program, they will have a short trip and an End Of Stay Camp at Cappadocia (the location might change due to logistics or weather conditions). They will return from Adana Airport at the end of the program.

Adana is one of the cities with the warmest climate in Turkey. The average temperature in December-January is 15-20 Celcius.

TYPE OF VISA REQUIRED: Tourist

Program Dates: 23 December 2023 – 3 February 2024

Age Eligibility: Born between 23 Dec 2005 to 23 Dec 2008

Application Deadline: 7 September 2023

Program Fees: INR 2,20,660 (18% GST included) + Visa + Airfare

To apply or for any other query, reach out to Ankita Pal: ankita.pal@afs.org | +91 9953773886

Kuldeep Ghildiyal: kuldeep.ghildiyal@afs.org | +91 93558 73994 Manjula Devi: Manjula.devi@afs.org | +91 85869 25038

Page17|AFSIndiaNewsletterApril2023

AFS Mission

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, nongovernmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

AFS Values

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 as 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. Global competence is the “power skill” young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

AFS India Vision

To be the leading organization in intercultural education and experience that focuses on growing its programs for the underserved.

Connect with us

AFS Intercultural Programs India

A-9, First Floor, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi 110019 India

www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org

afsindia afsindiaofficial lndiaAFS afs_india AFS Intercultural Programs India

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.