Semester Programme in Turkey

Experience life in Turkey as a high school exchange student! From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, immerse yourself in a rich blend of history, culture, and modern innovation. Make lifelong friends, learn a new language, and gain global skills that will shape your future!

Country language: Turkish

Semester Programme in Turkey

Stay with a Host Family

You will be placed with a volunteer Turkish host family. Applying families are vetted by our volunteers and staff in the region. As part of the application process, all household members aged 18 and over must submit a criminal record check. Supported by dedicated volunteers and staff, families help students navigate their new school and community, make friends, learn the language and enjoy their year abroad. Sharing culture and traditions helps families bond, creating lifelong friendships.

High School Experience

Starting in September, the autumn semester runs until the end of January. In Turkey, the school year usually begins in the second week of September, with the autumn term finishing in the third week of January. You’ll also get a one-week fall break in November to recharge!

Your local chapters will organise language lessons at the start of the programme, but we encourage you to get a head start by learning some Turkish on Duolingo before you arrive!”

Learn a New Language

Basic English (A1 level) is required, as all orientation camps will be conducted in English. No Turkish language skills are needed to join the programme!

Turkish is a language spoken by over 80 million people. It uses the Latin alphabet. While it may seem different at first, its pronunciation is straightforward, and with practice, it becomes easier to pick up!

Participant Eligibility

Participant Date of Birth:1 Sep 2007 to 1 Sep 2010

Participant Age Range Upon Arrival:15 years 0 month to 18 years 0 month

Graduates allowed.

Please see the attached AFS Thailand Handbook, which will answer most of your questions about living in Thailand.

Any other questions? Contact us at wales@afs.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What will I study in school?

Besides studying the Thai language and culture classes, you will study 4-7 school subjects taught in English from Monday to Friday. The school offers various programmes, depending on your level of English proficiency and the availability of the school. Generally, you will be able to study Mathematics, IT, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), English Speaking-Listening, English Reading-Writing, French, Chinese, Japanese, etc. The school placement will be based on your ELTIS score. Studying the full academically English Programme (6-7 subjects in English) requires an ELTIS score of at least 230+.

Where in Thailand will I stay?

Most students will be placed in the countryside.

Some students could be placed in a busy city like Bankok. Shopping malls, movie theatres and traffic jam define Thailand’s cities. There is a lot to see and to discover. However, big cities like Bangkok are more expensive. Traffic and pollution are also downsides of the masses of cars and people. Still, public transportation is well established and it is easy to get anywhere without a car.

On the other hand, the countryside is quiet and usually has limited public transportation. People often do not speak English, but tend to be more welcoming and warmhearted. Students here tend to learn Thai faster and dig much deeper into Thai culture, since the countryside values tradition much more than the city folk. You will experience a different Thailand full of traditions, festivals and caring people.

What's it like living with a Thai family?

Spending time with family is expected. Host families in Thailand can be of any social class. Often teachers decide to host a student and you will go to the school they are teaching at. A traditional family consists of the parents, grandparents and children, but there are also single mums and dads with or without children that want to host, as well as families without grandparents, especially in cities.

Families in Thailand do NOT get paid for hosting you. There are lots of reasons for a family to host an international student. Here are some examples:

 Mostly they want to experience a different culture and teach you their own.

 Sometimes they want to host a student for their children to improve their English.

 It is seen as prestigious and honourable to host an exchange student especially in rural areas.

 Sometimes their children are already at university or moved out and they want to offer that free space to a student.

Can I travel independently?

What's the visa process?

Type of visa needed: Non-Immigrant-ED Visa (90 days stay)

Participants of all Thailand programmes will apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa (90 days permit), and this would be extended during the programme. This type of visa will be valid only 90 days after entering Thailand, then the visa must be extended at the regional immigration office. The visa extension fee is THB 1,900 (around £43 depending on the exchange rate). The cost, as well as the transportation to the immigration office, would be the responsibility of the participant. AFS Thailand will support students with the process.

A clear passport copy will need to be provided by 30 April 2025, or together with your original application.

Process:

1. After AFS Thailand receives participants’ passport copy and has the placement information, we will issue the invitation letter and provide supporting documents.

2. AFS Thailand will send the invitation letter and all supporting documents to partner countries by email, post, or any courier company as requested.

3. Participants bring all the required documents to the Thai embassy or consulate to apply for the Non-Immigrant ED visa.

Dates and fees

Arrival: 12 Sep 2025

Departure: 31 Jan 2026

Programme fees: £5695 inc. flights

Deadline for application: 11th April 2025. Contact wales@afs.org to discuss application requirements.

Check here exactly what’s covered by the programme and travel fees.

What's included?

Return flights.
All meals are included.
AFS Medical and Travel Insurance (Please ensure to view the 2025 Medical Pamphlet for a detailed explanation of your coverage).
You will not only be supported by our staff at AFS Wales, but by the broader network of AFS International. AFS has 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programmes through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers. You will gave access to worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-country support team and network, as well as support from AFS Wales whilst you’re in Turkey.
Transfers within Turkey.
All flight taxes and oil surcharges.
Luggage allowance will be made clear to you following international flight bookings. Generally you will have 20kg checked allowance + 8kg of cabin luggage. If you need additional luggage, you will be responsible for the extra fee.
Airport meeting on arrival by your host family or the host organisation.
Transport to and from your host family home.
Accommodation in a host family home.
Enrolment in a local school.
Most school books and teaching materials.
Commuting costs.
Certificate following end of stay orientation.
Information on how to apply for your visa (if required).
Arrival and end of programme orientations in Turkey.
Assistance from staff at AFS Turkey and AFS Wales.
24 hour emergency phone in AFS Turkey.

What's not included?

If you need additional luggage, you will be responsible for the extra fee.
Residence Permit: 200USD

If you come to Turkey with a Semester or Year Program you will be applying to the National Immigration Department, Foreign Affairs Bureau for residence permit in the first month of your stay in Turkey.
This costs about 150-200 US Dollars. It is wise to bring at least 5 passport photos for the residence permit application.
School Uniform: 50-100USD: School uniforms changes depending on the school and it might cost between 50-100 USD.
Fees for extra curricular activities and trips.
Spending money.
Visa application fee and any required trip to a Consulate.
Costs for signatures, translations, notaries that may be required for the application.
Medical expenses and any required vaccinations.
Field trips. These are additional trips offered by the host organisation and are completely optional.
Guarantee to satisfy regional requests. We recommend applying early if you wish to be placed in a certain area.

What’s not included in AFS Travel and Medical Insurance:

Participant Third Party Liability Coverage: When a participant causes damage to someone else’s property or to another person, by some action or inaction, either accidentally or through alleged negligence, the participant is responsible for any damages.
Loss of Baggage/Theft of personal property of participants: Personal property is the responsibility of the participant even if lost or stolen during the AFS programme. AFS does not provide any insurance coverage for participants’ property and personal belongings.
AFS Participant Medical Plan Exclusions: The AFS Medical Plan has a variety of items that are not insured and which are the responsibility of the participant and their natural families. Please refer to the AFS Medical Plan for the list of exclusions.
Additional Benefits Exclusions: The Additional Benefits of the AFS Medical Plan has some different exclusions which are more restrictive than the AFS Medical Plan. Please refer to the actual policy contract wording for a detailed listing and explanation of policy terms and conditions.

Please ensure to view the 2025 Medical Pamphlet for a detailed explanation of your coverage.

Semester Programme in Turkey