Any aspies going on AFS (overseas exchange)?

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Claire_Louise
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Location: Auckland, New Zealand

03 Sep 2010, 3:20 am

Hi, I would like to go on an AFS experience next year. However, I don't know how significantly disadvantaged aspies would be in the selection process.

Any aspies gone on / tried out for / want to go on an overseas exchange?

Thanks



MoralAnimal
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03 Sep 2010, 7:28 pm

I went on an oversee's exchange with the Rotary Club. At the time I wasn't diagnosed. With Rotary, I had no problem with the selection process.

Once I was oversea however, it became a whole different problem. I would say looking back that being in an environment where I couldn't communicate really forced me to learn how to read body language better (whereas I didn't really know how at all before). Having Aspergers made overcoming the language barrier even harder than it already is and I had a hard time the whole year making friends and getting along with my host family. On the flip side, I focused my energy instead on mastering the language and learning about the culture via art, music, history, archeology, travel, etc. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

good luck!


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And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~ Anais Nin


Claire_Louise
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Joined: 30 Aug 2010
Age: 28
Gender: Female
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Location: Auckland, New Zealand

04 Sep 2010, 4:29 pm

Thanks.
I have tried out for AFS once, and hashed up the inteview, plus a bad reference from the school.
I am self-diagnosed, but I am positive that I have aspergers