AFS New Zealand Global Ambassador Scholarships – AFS Aotearoa Nga Karahipi Kaitiaki O Te Ao

Every programme destination offered by AFS is unique and all participants are able to become active global citizens regardless of the destination chosen. Each experience focuses on amazing global learning outcomes which provide lifelong intercultural and educational opportunities.

WHO IS ABLE TO APPLY?

Scholarships will be available for students who:

• Have completed the full AFS NZ Online Application (OA)
• Have been accepted by AFS NZ to go away with AFS.
• Have been given a country placement.
• Fit the scholarship criteria.
• Have paid the $450.00 deposit.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• For SH 2024 Scholarship applications have closed.
• For NH 2024 Scholarship applications open early in 2024 dates TBC.
• Applicants may apply for each of the scholarships they meet the criteria for.

Please note: Only ONE scholarship will be allocated by the scholarship selection panel to each applicant.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: AFS NZ REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

• Each AFS student selected, becomes an ambassador throughout their AFS experience for their school, community, AFS and New Zealand.
• AFS Scholarships are not redeemable in cash or transferable to another programme, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

In accepting the scholarship there are expectations and responsibilities

All students selected and placed to have an AFS experience in another country:

1. As stated in the Participation Agreement it is compulsory to attend any pre departure Orientation meetings held, whether this be in person or where necessary online.
2. Your school must continue to endorse you up until the time of your departure. This includes an expectation that you will strive to do the best possible at your NZ school prior to your departure.
3. Attending school in another country and adapting to a new culture and probably another language has challenges. AFS expects participants to fully engage in school life and strive to achieve the best academic results possible in that context.

Additional for Scholarship Students

1. Must write a letter to the AFS New Zealand Educational Trust (or the provider of a scholarship) within two weeks of receiving notification of a successful application. This notification will set out the focus expected.
2. As a global ambassador you are required to share your experiences, global learning etc You need to write these dates into your diary. All pieces will go to [email protected]

• • Year long Programme participants: Your written piece along with interesting photos is expected 3 times during your experience. These will occur at approximately 6 weeks; 5 months and 6 weeks prior to returning home.
  • For Semester Programme participants: You must communicate twice during your experience.   The first at 6 weeks and the second 5 weeks before returning.
  • Upon return to New Zealand:  You are required to write an article which will be published in the National Newsletter. If possible, AFS NZ would like you to return to your New Zealand school and speak at an assembly about your global learning experience.

Notes:

1. Should anything be raised with AFS NZ prior to your departure that would suggest you are no longer a worthy candidate of a scholarship, AFS NZ reserves the right to withdraw this privilege. This may include your school, your social attitude, failure to write to the AFS NZ Trust / provider or concern over your ability to represent AFS and NZ well.
2. Should you change the length of your programme prior to departure, AFS New Zealand has the right to change the scholarship amount to fit within the new programme length.
3. I understand that AFS reserves the right to require the recipient and or his/her parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to pay AFS Intercultural Programmes NZ the scholarship amount or part there of should the recipient choose to withdraw or should AFS terminate  the programme.

Referees

Provide the names of two referees who you feel will provide further information to support your scholarship(s) application.

Notes:

• • Referees should not be family members nor teachers from your school.
  • They should not be your peers
  • They should not be same as in your Online Application, however, if you have no other option please check with AFS NZ.
  • Referees could be people such as a family friend, a sports coach, your Kaumatua or Kuia, Pastor or other senior member of your church, a cultural group leader, your workplace ‘boss’, the manager of  a community service group you are actively involved in.

Video Statement 

No longer than 4 minutes in length  (above 4 minutes may lose points)

To cover:

• Why you are applying and why you believe you are an outstanding candidate for a global ambassador scholarship.
• Your reasons for wanting to participate on a global ambassador programme.
• What you will bring to the role of being an AFS global ambassador in New Zealand before you leave on your exchange, during your exchange in your placement country and following your return home.
• Relevant background information specific to the scholarship(s) you have applied for.