Fifty outstanding students and five teachers from public schools in Chile received full scholarships to study English for four weeks in New Zealand. This November they set off to experience a new educational system, a different culture, and to expand their vision of the world.
This new scholarship program was made possible due to the collaboration of AFS Chile and the national Ministry of Education. This cooperation has been developed over the years, as a part of AFS’s strategic efforts to globalize institutions and expand access to intercultural education. AFS is seen as a trusted partner by the Chilean Ministry, giving their impeccable track record in supporting and educating students for 60 years.
For both the government and AFS, this is a great opportunity to provide young students (13 to 16 years old) from very unprivileged communities with tools to improve their chances in the future. The content of the program was devised together with AFS New Zealand, which was eager to welcome young Chileans. The program in New Zealand will improve the participants’ English language skills and help them gain self-confidence and other social skills. Even though they are all outstanding students, for many participants, this is their first time leaving their local communities or getting on an airplane, so experiencing life in New Zealand is a major opportunity for them.
This program will be replicated in March 2019 with 30 Chilean students travelling to Cardiff, UK. For more information, visit www.afs.cl.