For Students

If you are a U.S. student applying for an AFS Program, you too can get featured on this site! Here's how:

1. Submit a preliminary application.
2. Launch a blog using Blogger. For your first entry, write a brief statement (1-3 paragraphs) that reflects your personality, but also demonstrates seriously why you are a good investment. Think of your grandparents, teachers, or employers as your target audience as you write. Here's an example we like.
Address these questions in your statement:

Who are you? Why do you want to go abroad with AFS?
What do you expect to gain from the experience? How/what will you give in return?

What have you already done, and what are you planning to do, to contribute to your fundraising efforts?

3. Email your blog URL to scholarships@afs.org (please put "Sponsor an AFSer blog" in the subject line). Please include your fundraising goal (e.g. "I would like to raise $3000"). AFS staff will send you simple instructions on how you can add the ChipIn widget to your blog.
4. Third, spread the word! Here are some tips.

Customize and send the email template below to your family, friends, dentist, elementary school teacher...you get the drift! Ask your parents to forward it to their contacts, too.

Put a link to your blog on Facebook and/or MySpace
Have the person paying you for babysitting/lawn mowing/etc. pay you online through your blog.
Post a short "ad" about your blog through your high school newspaper or a bulletin board at your school, favorite coffee shop, or parent's work
Set-up a computer with your blog outside a library, grocery store, etc. (you'll need wireless for this, and permission from the business). Bring some AFS "props" (wear an AFS t-shirt, have a book and snacks from the country you're going to, etc).
Ask your parents or grandparents if they will match every dollar you raise through your AFS blog.
Use this tool to complement any other fundraising campaign listed on the Fundraising Wiki.

5. Fourth, post occasional blog entries regarding your fundraising projects and preparation for your AFS program, and track your progress by watching your ChipIn widget. Once you're abroad, keep up your blog as a way to stay in touch with everyone who helped you make this happen!

Note: you are not eligible to join Sponsor an AFSer if you have received a full scholarship from AFS through Congress-Bundestag, NSLI-Y, YES, or Faces of America.





	For Students If you are a U.S. student applying for an AFS Program, you too can get featured on this site! Here's how: 1. Submit a preliminary application. 2. Launch a blog using Blogger. For your first entry, write a brief statement (1-3 paragraphs) that reflects your personality, but also demonstrates seriously why you are a good investment. Think of your grandparents, teachers, or employers as your target audience as you write. Here's an example we like. Address these questions in your statement: Who are you? Why do you want to go abroad with AFS? What do you expect to gain from the experience? How/what will you give in return? Briefly, why do you need help with financing your AFS experience? What have you already done, and what are you planning to do, to contribute to your fundraising efforts? Your blog should also include a nice picture of yourself. At the end of your blog entry, please include the text "To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button." 3. Email your blog URL to scholarships@afs.org (please put "Sponsor an AFSer blog" in the subject line). Please include your fundraising goal (e.g. "I would like to raise $3000"). AFS staff will send you simple instructions on how you can add the ChipIn widget to your blog. 4. Third, spread the word! Here are some tips. Customize and send the email template below to your family, friends, dentist, elementary school teacher...you get the drift! Ask your parents to forward it to their contacts, too. Put a link to your blog on Facebook and/or MySpace Have the person paying you for babysitting/lawn mowing/etc. pay you online through your blog. Post a short "ad" about your blog through your high school newspaper or a bulletin board at your school, favorite coffee shop, or parent's work Set-up a computer with your blog outside a library, grocery store, etc. (you'll need wireless for this, and permission from the business). Bring some AFS "props" (wear an AFS t-shirt, have a book and snacks from the country you're going to, etc). Ask your parents or grandparents if they will match every dollar you raise through your AFS blog. Use this tool to complement any other fundraising campaign listed on the Fundraising Wiki. 5. Fourth, post occasional blog entries regarding your fundraising projects and preparation for your AFS program, and track your progress by watching your ChipIn widget. Once you're abroad, keep up your blog as a way to stay in touch with everyone who helped you make this happen! Note: you are not eligible to join Sponsor an AFSer if you have received a full scholarship from AFS through Congress-Bundestag, NSLI-Y, YES, or Faces of America.