Description

The Turks say their country is like a man running west on a train heading east. They are referring to the dichotomies you'll experience in this vibrant culture: mosques on the European side of Istanbul and western-style suburbs on the Asian side; a Western economic system in an Islamic society; dynamic industrialization next door to historic buildings in neighborhoods dating from the Byzantine and Ottoman past; and a landscape ranging from Mediterranean coasts to jagged mountains. There are more Greek and Roman ruins preserved in Turkey than in Italy and Greece, and you'll discover distinctive places such as the natural hot spring of Pamuccale and the caved cities of Cappadocia. The cuisine is considered one of the finest in the world, and the people have a well-deserved reputation for friendliness and hospitality, which you will experience firsthand.

Highlights

Year and Gap Year Programs:

In the Year and Gap Year program you will arrive in the capital of Turkey, Istanbul, and have a welcome orientation. Once the orientation is complete students are picked up or sent to their host family. While living with the family you will attend Turkish high school. Turkish students specialize in either mathematics, sciences or social studies. You will be placed according to what is available in your community as well as your academic background. However, you will study Turkish and receive language instruction at your arrival orientation, and additional lessons during your stay. Also, approximately one month into your program, AFS offers a week-long language and culture workshop. Many schools offer extracurricular activities and this is a great way for you to make friends. Soccer is the most popular sport, but Turks also enjoy volleyball, basketball, bicycling, swimming, and picnics.

Summer Homestay Program:

Imagine spending a relaxing summer during the traditional vacation months in Turkey and experiencing everyday life in this fascinating culture! Your activities might include guided weekend excursions, picnics, and outings with your family and new friends. You'll have an opportunity to see the art and architecture of the country, and enjoy pick-up soccer games and the frequent social gatherings in the community. Female participants will have the extra bonus of most likely being invited to a woman's party with tea, sweets, and dancing.

Type of Programs

• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Turkish

Cost in US$:

Please refer to the AFS-USA Website

Program Fees Include:

- Professional guidance and support throughout the entire application and program
- Placement with a carefully selected volunteer host family
- Placement with a host school
- Round-trip international travel
- Orientations prior to departure and after your arrival
- Comprehensive secondary medical insurance
- Visa information
- Access to a support network that includes AFS Professional Staff in the U.S. and your host country, plus thousands of trained volunteers worldwide.
- 24-hour emergency assistance

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

varies

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