AFS Intercultural Programs - Malaysia High School and Gap-Year Programs

  Malaysia

• Other Cities in Malaysia: 
Kuala Lumpur

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Year High School (fall): July 2010- July 2011/ Year High School (Spring): Jan 2010- Jan 2011

Description: Native Malays share citizenship with ethnic Chinese and Indians, and though the state religion is Islam, Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples are as commonplace as mosques. The diversity of Malaysia is celebrated throughout the year with multicultural festivals and flavorful food. You may have time to visit a spice market or learn about local activities like sepak takraw (a kickball type of volleyball), giant top spinning, and kite-flying. AFS host family placements are located throughout Malaysia.

Highlights: Experience the magic of Malaysia--a rich collage of cultures, modern buildings next to traditional spice markets, and rainforests teeming with rare and endangered species. Imagine how your resume will stand out from the rest of your peers with an experience in this fascinating South China Sea nation! Native Malays share citizenship with ethnic Chinese and Indians, and though the state religion is Islam, Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples are as commonplace as mosques. This diversity is celebrated throughout the year with many different multicultural festivals.

Forty percent of Malaysia, the more industrialized portion, is located on the Southeast Asian peninsula. The other 60 percent is on an island shared with Indonesia and Brunei, 400 miles across the South China Sea. The variety of people in Malaysia makes for a very interesting mix of cuisine--spicy Malay dishes, Chinese food, India cooking, as well as local Nyonya and Portuguese traditions.

You will be placed with a host family and immersed in community life and your host school - taking classes primarily in the native tongue of Bahasa Melayu. AFS host family placements are located throughout Malaysia. This allows you to experience the world in a new perspective, that will help you grow in many different ways.

Programs do accept recent high school graduates.

Cost in US$: Year: (Fall): (USD 10,500); Year (Spring): (USD 10,250)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947