From time to time, the SDA in association with AFS International Exchanges, provides members and their children with the opportunity to receive a fully paid scholarship to experience a new way of life, join a host family and go to school overseas.

Members can watch for information and Scholarship Application Form in their SDA journal.

The SDA has been in partnership with AFS since 1994 and in this time has sponsored 28 students to take take up the challenge to live and study overseas for one year.

How Many Scholarships to Where?

The SDA provides 7 full year scholarships (one for each branch of the Union) to any AFS country worldwide. The scholarships are offered every other year.

Who is eligible?

Any SDA member or child of a member who is: Attending secondary school and in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 at the time of application; Meets the AFS application guidelines.

The scholarship will be entirely funded by the SDA and will cover: Return travel from the student's home right to the door of their host family; Orientation and enrichment activities during the stay; Medical costs incurred during the visit, except for pre-existing conditions, dental and eye care.

AFS's Role

AFS has total responsibility for the selection of the SDA/AFS scholarship recipients; AFS will match the students carefully with a host family, arrange school placement and assist the students in selecting appropriate courses of study; Local AFS volunteer committees and national office professional staff will monitor the students' experiences and provide any necessary support and counselling.

Closing Date for Applications: It is anticipated that seven scholarships will again be offered in 2001 and the closing date will be the 31st March 2001.

Look out for SDA/AFS Scholarship news in the SDA branch journal, Distributive Worker