AFS Global STEM Academies

• The 12-week virtual program consists of both “live” synchronous activities (dialogue sessions on Zoom with your global peers, with AFS facilitators) each week, as well as self-paced/asynchronous content (online, interactive modules, games, and quizzes). 
• Over the course of the 12 weeks, you’ll learn about sustainability and social innovation, collaborate with your global peers, and design your very own social impact project–which you’ll record and present digitally to the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.
• Participation will require approximately 3-4 hours of your time each week. 
• The virtual program is designed to be flexible enough that it can fit around your school schedule.
• The live sessions will be offered at multiple times to accommodate diverse time zones and schedules.
• Participants will be able to indicate desired scheduling preferences for the live sessions.
• Please be advised that participation in the virtual curriculum is mandatory for all Global STEM Academy scholars.

The AFS Global STEM Academies combine digital and in-person learning, gathering youth from more than 14 countries worldwide, in which scholars enrich their sustainability knowledge and STEM skills through interactive, hands-on curriculum, while developing critical global competencies, including problem-solving, analytical skills, intercultural understanding, and empathy. 

The Academies begin with a 12-week virtual e-learning curriculum (from home), engaging in global competence skills, social impact, and sustainability-focused workshops, with content co-developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy. The virtual portion of the program culminates with student-led social impact projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

After completing the virtual curriculum, Academy scholars travel on a 4-week immersive experience to one of the five Academy destinations: Brazil, China, India, the USA, or Belgium & the United Kingdom. Academy programming focuses on critical STEM skills and intercultural understanding for global sustainability, as well as local cultural immersion. Scholars participate in community service and have the opportunity to visit local innovative, sustainability focused operations to see first-hand how companies and organizations are using STEM skills in practice to address industry and societal challenges, particularly around sustainability.

Scholars who successfully complete the program requirements earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Competence for Social Impact, awarded by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.

The 2022 Global STEM Academies will be hosted in five countries: Brazil, China, India, the UK & Belgium (dual-destination), and the USA. Students must be willing and able to participate and travel to all five program destinations. Applicants have the opportunity to rank their destination preferences; however, AFS will determine final program designations. Additionally, scholars are not eligible to attend the Academy in the same country in which they currently live (for instance, applicants from the USA will not be assigned to the USA Academy).

During the 4-week study abroad portion of your Academy, and depending on the destination country assigned to you, you will live either in a dormitory-style setting and/or with host families, vetted and selected by the AFS organization in that host country. AFS is committed to diversity of all kinds and our host families come from all backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the populations of each country where we operate. All host families are carefully vetted and approved by AFS before being selected to host students. Local AFS volunteers and staff will also be available to help you acclimate to your new living environment abroad.

All Global STEM Academy admissions are awarded by scholarship only, and cover the following costs:

• Full tuition to your twelve-week digital program and four-week study abroad program
• AFS-arranged travel, including international economy airfare (and any associated domestic travel) from the student’s hometown to the host country, including airport pick-up. Your scholarship also covers the cost of offsetting your carbon emissions during travel (this is a sustainability program after all!)
• AFS-provided medical insurance
• Student housing is provided and carefully arranged by AFS Intercultural Programs depending on the country and program (AFS students may live with a host family, live in dormitories, or a combination of both)
• Some meals will be with host families, some will be provided as a group by AFS; applicants should indicate any dietary restrictions or preferences in their application
• 24/7 emergency support
• Field trips to activities and sites during your Academy
• Assistance with the program and visa application processes 
• Certificate of participation upon satisfactory program completion

The health, safety, and well-being of our students are our top priority. AFS volunteers and staff are committed and trained to support students and their families throughout the AFS experience. AFS has consistent guidelines that apply to all AFS organizations. Local AFS volunteers and staff will also be available to help you acclimate to your living environment abroad. All AFS organizations also have a local 24-hour emergency contact number that is always monitored.

The following items are NOT covered as part of the Academies scholarship:

• Vaccinations, immunizations, and other disease-preventing medications (i.e., malaria prevention) – please be advised that many countries require proof of vaccination/immunization from international travelers
• Any necessary pre-trip doctor visits and/or co-pays
• Travel expenses to the regional consulate to obtain a visa (if necessary)
• Checked baggage fees
• Local tax liabilities
• Additional spending money for leisure and souvenirs

• Global STEM Academy applicants must be 15-17.5 years old at the program start date (birth dates from September 1, 2004, through April 1, 2007)
• Must be able to participate fully in a classroom setting and program conducted entirely in English
• Applicants must have the ability and willingness to travel internationally for the full four weeks to any of the Academies destinations.
• Strong candidates demonstrate interest in sustainability, STEM, travel abroad, and curiosity to learn about and interact with different cultures.
• Willingness to attend all five Academy destinations – Brazil, India, China, the UK & Belgium, or the USA. Applicants may list their destination preference(s), but AFS will maintain the final say in where admitted students are assigned.
• Participants must have a valid and current passport. AFS can help guide you on how to obtain one if needed. 
• Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly young women, underrepresented populations, and students with high financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply!

• A computer, smartphone or other digital device to access the virtual program content*
• An integrated webcam and microphone for participation in online dialogue sessions*
• Stable internet or wifi connection*

*If hardware or internet accessibility is an issue, AFS may be able to help.

AFS strongly recommends you bring your proof of vaccination along as it may be required both during your journey and once you arrive in your host country. In some places, you must show proof of vaccination to attend certain public gatherings or to eat in a restaurant (for example). 

Additionally, AFS strongly recommends that you speak with your health care provider to see if an additional dose of the vaccine is recommended prior to your departure. Moreover, different countries and different airlines may require you to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (and a specific type of test) in addition to being vaccinated to enter a specific country. AFS will keep you updated on these requirements as we arrange your travel.

You may still apply, however, please be advised that some governments, airlines and other travel providers may require you to be vaccinated prior to traveling, which could impact your selection in destination or ability to travel abroad. We recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider and parent(s)/guardian(s) to find out if there are options to get a vaccine if you are planning to go on a travel-based study abroad program.

If you do not wish to travel abroad, but are still interested in participating in an AFS Global STEM Changemakers program, you may be eligible to apply to the AFS Global STEM Accelerators program instead – a 100% virtual exchange program for young women worldwide.

Yes. AFS will make every effort to update you on regulations regarding vaccination and requirements in your assigned host country. Please be aware that vaccination and travel requirements can change quickly or unexpectedly, outside of AFS’s control. Once AFS learns about changes and understands how these changes will impact you and your program, we will inform you and your emergency contact right away. If you hear about potential changes before we have notified you, please contact us – we may be seeking further clarification from government officials or others involved in determining such regulations.