American Field Service Selection - An Experience Posted by Detective Muse on 5:48 AM

I think every high school student in the world must be known this. Yes, it is American Field Service aka. AFS! Historically, this is some kind of humanity organization which helped wounded soldiers in World War I. But as the life goes on, the organization which based on world peace changed its programs into intercultural student exchange.

But now, I won’t tell you about it (you can search it in Wikipedia). I will share to you about my experience with American Field Service Indonesian Edition, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya.

My journey with Bina Antarbudaya started a year ago. I was a first grader of a senior high school who is really interested with student exchange program, especially AFS. So, I signed myself to the selection test. There are three phase of test. First, there’s Writing Test (general knowledge, English, and Indonesian Essay). Then we got Interview Test. If we pass it… well I don’t know much about the third phase, because I didn’t pass until the third phase T.T.

When I didn’t see my name in the list of who passed the test, my family and I felt so disappointed, especially to me. But I recover from my disappointment and decided to try with another student exchange program when I’m on college. But, I decided one thing; I have to be a Volunteer of Bina Antarbudaya and keep join with them in another way.

Almost a year later, my senior in high school asked me if I want to be a Volunteer of Bina Antarbudaya. Suddenly, I saw a bright light of inspiration; if this is my chance, why not? So I give him a Yes and he told me to come to help him and his friends with the registration. That was the first time I became a Volunteer of Bina Antarbudaya.

Me and Seniors of Bina Antarbudaya

I come and helped in the registration phase. Silently, I asked my senior if I can help them again on the test phase. I get the confirmation from my senior after a few days and he said, “Yes! You may come with us.”

During the test phase and its preparations, I helped them like I do my job in student’s organization in my school; a total work. Of course, I met many people I didn’t know before. There are kind people, crazy people, but they are really professional with their job. I like that! After the test, I really want to help them on the second phase of the test which will be held in Jakarta. But I still wait for the confirmation from the seniors. I really hope I can work with them again ^_^ .