schoolsthatrockAFS KL-YES Scholarship Story.
Pooja Chunnilall, learner from Curro Aurora in Randburg, is a real ‘all-rounder’ kind of learner. Pooja actively participates in as many activities at school all while aiming high with her academic performance. This tenacity is exactly what helped this proud Grade 10 learner to be awarded an AFS Intercultural Program scholarship. The scholarship will last for ten months in Maryland, in the United States of America.
Pooja will start her scholarship in August. She will attend the local school with her host family’s children. Pooja explains that her interest and desire in studying abroad came to life when she joined Curro in 2017.
My life changed
“When I joined Curro in 2017, many things in my life changed. I enjoyed the new environment and making new friends, so I think that is what sparked my interest in a study-abroad or exchange program. Through some research I found that AFS is an organization that provides intercultural study-abroad programs. I found out about the KL-YES program through the AFS website.”
“I really love learning and thought I would really love to travel. This program combined my pre-existing love for learning, and a future goal to be able to travel. I believe there’s so much to learn through experience and sharing knowledge and culture with others and this program opens a door for so much learning that cannot be found in books. After finding out about this program – and how amazing it is – in 2017, I wanted to apply, but I was too young to apply at that time. I therefore, set this scholarship as a goal to revisit this at age 14, but that was stifled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was excited to finally be able to apply last year (2021) and elated to have become a finalist in the SA rounds of selection as well as in the U.S. selection process. To finally be able to accomplish this dream, I remain excited!”
Application process
Though the application process that include many forms, remote interviews as well as proficiency exams was lengthy and in-depth, Pooja believes it was so worth it as an opportunity to enhance her life but also to share her South African heritage.
“My biggest goal is to make the most of this opportunity and make sure that I come back with no regrets. I want to make sure that I learn as much as possible, share a piece of South Africa with the U.S. – and the other exchange students from other parts of the world – and leave a positive mark for my parents, teachers, school, and country.”
For more information on AFS Intercultural Programs please visit: Scholarships – South Africa (afs.org.za)
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