AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants
Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be between 15 years to 16 years ands 8 months
- Enrolled in an NZ school
- You can’t have graduated from school in New Zealand
- Language requirements: English B1 (Basic Mandarin language can be good)
- Vegetarians are hard to place
- TB test compulsory
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.
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