AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants
Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be between 15 and 16.8 years old
- Language Requirements: A1 Mandarin recommended
- School Enrolment Status: You must be enrolled in an NZ school
- Dietary: Vegetarians can be hard to place
- Other: Clean TB test
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- School Transport
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Re-entry Orientation
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
Host Family & Community
Your host family may belong to any one of the main ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, or Indian. Regardless of which family you are placed with, extended families often live together and elders are highly respected. Parents like to be included when their children make decisions. While you could be placed anywhere in Malaysia, most AFS students live in urban or suburban areas.
School
You will attend a public school, which runs from Monday to Friday (7.30 am to 1.30 pm) in most regions and Sunday through Thursday in other regions. You will be able to choose between studying a track in science, humanities, commerce or technical studies. Students wear uniforms, and while most classes are taught in Bahasa Melayu, math and sciences are taught in English. School plays an important role in Malaysian society—more than just for formal education. School is a place where moral values are instilled. The role of teachers is very important and regarded with utmost respect.
Language
The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu, but English is a compulsory second language. Having a basic knowledge of English will helpful. AFS will provide you with tips and tools for learning the language.
Food
The variety of people in Malaysia makes for a very interesting mix of cuisine—spicy Malay dishes, an endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as local Nyonya and Portuguese dishes. Western cuisine is also easily accessible, and there are many international fast-food chains. Most dishes contain lots of spices, chillies and coconut cream. Fish is made for any occasion and in many styles. Food on the table is shared by all the family. You should eat with your right hand and keep the left under the table.
You could be eligible for an Asian Heritage
or Spirit of AFS scholarship for your Malaysia programme
Experience the heart of Malaysia through your own history. Honour your past and shape your future…
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Start your application
Ready to Start your Malaysian Adventure?
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.
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