- Irsha Parveen and Afifa, two students from Jamia Senior Secondary School chosen for the AFS scholarship programme. They’re off to the USA for a year of cultural exchange
Two students of Jamia Senior Secondary School (JSSS), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Irsha Parveen and Afifa, from class X, have been selected for the prestigious American Field Service (AFS) scholarship programme, sponsored by the US Department of State, American Centre. The AFS programme stands out as a transformative experience for young learners across India and abroad, offering young minds the unique opportunity to cultivate essential global skills while fostering a profound passion for making a positive impact on the world.
The AFS is a global non-profit organisation that has been a leader in intercultural learning for over 100 years. With a presence in more than 100 countries worldwide, AFS operates through 57 independent, not-for-profit organisations. Each AFS organisation is supported by a network of over 55,000 volunteers, a professionally staffed office with 1,100 plus employees and is led by a volunteer board.
This scholarship programme offers the selected students a comprehensive cultural exchange experience with a unique opportunity to study in the USA for one year on a student exchange program, where they will stay with host families. It aims to foster cultural exchange, allowing the students to share the diversity of Indian culture while learning about new cultures, traditions and life skills in the USA.
The two students were selected after comprehensive selection rounds where they had to compete with other students from schools across India. While attending classes at a local high school in the USA, participate in community service projects and engage in cultural activities. Additionally, they will live with American host families, providing them with an authentic immersion into American daily life.
To get selected they had to go through the following rounds: Preliminary application, discovery day, main application, panel interview, home interview and an English proficiency test
The selected students will share the rich cultural heritage of India with their American peers, introducing them to traditions, festivals, cuisine and customs. Through presentations, workshops and cultural performances, they aim to foster a deeper appreciation of Indian culture.
They will actively engage with their host families and communities to learn about the values, traditions and way of life of different communities. They will participate in family gatherings, holiday celebrations and local events, gaining insights into American society and representing their Indian heritage while learning in the new environment.
By fostering meaningful connections with their American counterparts, they will promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. They will serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between India and the USA through open-mindedness and empathy. While learning they will represent their Indian heritage.
The AFS scholarship offers them a transformative experience to study abroad and be acquainted with new cultures. Through their participation in this program, they will not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to building bridges of understanding between India and the USA. They will depart in July 2024.
As ambassadors representing not just JSSS school, but India as well, they have a responsibility over their shoulders to represent our country, our community and our vision in a new light- a light that spreads over geographical, emotional and physical boundaries and help us unfold the landscape of new learnings of love, compassion, sharing and caring for each other as citizens of a global world.
JSSS and JMI wish them all the best in their journey of cultural exchange and personal growth.
As part of the co-scholastic and curricular objectives of JSSS, JMI students have been encouraged to diversify their strategies of learning and to take their learning beyond the walls of the classrooms through foreign exchange programmes.
