Information on participation fees

When a student decides to participate in an AFS program, they must ensure they can afford the associated participation fees. These fees vary depending on the program and destination. Fundraising activities allow participants to raise money to help cover their participation fees. Many activities can be organized, so be sure to use your imagination and skills!

Activity planning and some ideas…

Before organizing an activity, you need to take the time to assess the tasks that will be necessary to carry it out.

Steps to ensure your fundraising activity is a success:

  • Form a team: Ask your friends and family members to help. Assign a role to each team member.
  • Prepare a budget: It’s important to know how much your activity will cost.
  • Prepare a timeline: You will need to plan your activity; book a venue, buy gifts, organize entertainment, order food, contact the media (newspapers, television, radio, and social media), print tickets and posters, and set up an information booth for AFS Interculture Canada.
  • Book the location: Make sure you find a suitable location to maximize your impact on people.
  • Find sponsors: You may be able to find sponsors for your activity.
  • Send invitations: Once you have completed the steps above, send invitations to people you know, the town hall, the local newspaper, and businesses in your area. Make sure your invitations are clear.
  • Communicate with the media: the goal of your fundraising activity is to generate interest in your project within the community and to facilitate your fundraising campaign. On the day of the event, you will need to coordinate activities and send thank-you notes.
  • Grocery bagging: Ask your local supermarket if they will allow you to bag their customers’ groceries and provide a collection box.
  • Car washes: Ask your friends for help. Ask the owner of a nearby gas station or grocery store if you can use a section of their parking lot and their water supply. Your local hardware store might be willing to donate soap and sponges; just ask.
    Bottle collection: Make sure you get permission from your municipality.
  • Garage sales: Contact your municipality to inquire about the bylaws governing this activity, as many require a permit.
    Product sales: Selling products is a very popular fundraising activity. Ask your family what products they would buy before ordering anything.
  • Themed dinners or video presentations.
  • Endurance activities: marathons, yoga, Rock-A-Thon at a shopping mall, Walk-A-Thon, Skate-A-Thon (ice skating or inline skating).
  • Other ideas? Barbecues, bake sales at school (cupcakes, muffins), raking leaves in the fall or shoveling snow after a storm, cooking contests, Christmas gift wrapping at the mall, collecting $1 coins at a sporting event, karaoke parties, fundraising activities such as “Eat the Most…” competitions, musical or cultural activities such as a concert or film screening, art or photography exhibitions, a hat or denim day at work or school.

Payment terms

Participants agree to pay the participation fees according to the applicable rates under the following terms:

  • First installment: October 1st
  • Second installment: February 1st
  • Third installment: March 15th
  • First installment: June 15
  • Second installment: September 1
  • Third installment: October 25
  • Round-trip international travel;
  • Transfers between the airport and your host family;
  • AFS medical insurance;
  • Hospitality with your host family;
  • Orientation camps in your home country and your host country;
  • 24/7 emergency services in Canada and your host country;
  • International medical assistance;
  • A network of fully trained volunteers to support you throughout your experience.

Excluded: passport and visa, required vaccinations, eyeglasses and contact lenses, basic dental care, school uniforms (if applicable), and spending money for personal expenses.