Thanendran Raj of SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban is so excited at being chosen as one of 45 successful candidates from thousands of applicants for the programme.
“I’m looking forward to my first overseas trip and wonder what my life is going to be like for the next six months,” the 18-year-old told Bernama.
Asked what encouraged him to take part in the programme, Thanendran said he saw something more to it than just experiencing the weather over there.
“This is going to be a very intense six-month stay. I hope to learn as much as I can about American culture, living with a family different from mine and getting used to a different lifestyle,” said the enthusiastic lad who will be going to Minnesota to live with a host family.
Thanendran, the youngest of three children, said initially his mother was not very supportive as he would be in a foreign country all by himself, but she warmed up after he was shortlisted for an interview.
“My dad was more supportive,” said Thanendran who does not mind postponing college for six months to live in the States.
All the “ambassadors” were selected from among the applicants through a nationwide interview process that involved representatives from the Education Ministry and American Field Service (AFS) Alumni, AFS volunteers and the US embassy.
Ang Kai Bin, also from SMK Bukit Mewah, said he was looking forward to the programme with the prospect of travelling alone and gaining independence.
“It’s all very unbelievable to me, I am excited as I will be travelling and living with a host family.
“It is a great chance to learn about American culture and their way of life. This will be an enriching and fulfilling experience for me,” said the 17-year-old Ang, who travels quite often with his family.
For Nurlaili Nazifa Saffie, attending an American school will be her most exciting experience upon her arrival in Wisconsin.
“I’m looking forward to attending an American high school and learning about their education system and culture,” said the 17-year-old from SMS Tengku Mohamad Fariz Petra, Kelantan.
The KL-YES scholarship is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs–US Department of State and administered by AFS Antarabudaya Malaysia. The six-month programme offers full scholarships to Malaysian high school students, including students with physical disabilities.
All 45 participants will live with host families, attend a US high school, and engage in cultural activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills and help to educate Americans about their own country and culture.
AFS Malaysia has so far sent 461 students, including 15 with hearing disabilities and five who are visually impaired.
– BERNAMA