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 15.3 and 17.8 years old
- Language: Korean recommended
- School Enrolment Status: You must be enrolled in an NZ school
Notes
This programme is at a boarding school, you’ll go to a homestay family twice a month
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
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
People & Community
Open and direct communication is common between parents and children, and taking part in discussions to share your opinion will be highly valued. Respect for privacy is highly appreciated and seen as a sign of affection. Korean parents are quite cautious about their children’s school results and spare time activities, and you should always ask for permission and include your host parents before making decisions. Plan on spending some leisure time with your family at family dinners and watching popular TV talk-shows and games.
School
Korean school system is quite competitive and very demanding. South Korea’s education system is technologically very advanced: This is the world’s first country to bring high-speed fibre-optic broadband internet access to every primary and secondary school nationwide. Using this infrastructure, the country has developed the first digital textbooks in the world. The school year begins in February and ends in December. A typical day of school begins at 8 am and ends at 5 pm, but most students stay at school or go to a study room to study until 11 pm or even later. Schools usually teach Korean history, music, math, science and other subjects, but you can also study Korean language. Students wear uniforms in school and are expected to help clean the school after classes end.
Language
The main language spoken is Korean, and it helps to have previous knowledge of the language before your exchange. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful.
Food
The main language spoken is Korean, and it helps to have previous knowledge of the language before your exchange. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful.
You could be eligible for an Asian Heritage
or Spirit of AFS scholarship for your South Korea programme
Experience the heart of South Korea through your own history. Honour your past and shape your future…
.
Start your application
Ready to Start your South Korean 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.