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1. • CommentAuthormollymj
   • CommentTimeJul 20th 2010

    

   Anyone know if one can be accepted with aspergers?  He also has dyslexia but has mostly overcome much in that area.  I have a son who really wants to study abroad.  He flunked 8th grade but now with supports (a mentor) is doing great ... he's entering 10 grade and has a 3.25 with 13 college credit hours and a 3.6 high school GPA.  He gets about 15 hours a week of "mentorship" a week, mostly for his college classes, goal setting, time mangement, etc..  I figure we may have to find a "mentor" whereever he would study abroad... Because  an "aspie" (someone with aspergers) is already a "foreigner" even in his own town, I know he would do well in another country...His goal is international outdoor recreation combined with hands-on projects (ie construction)...  Does anyone know if this is possible?  He's interested in a Spanish country (lots of hispanics around here), Denmark (his heritage), or possibly China (a growning language need).  He's only spent a week in another country (volunteering at a Mexican Orphanage) but has been away from home for about 4 weeks... he's also on the path to being an Eagle Scout   (Life Rank within the next couple of weeks). 

    

   Thanks!

2. • CommentAuthorhollybluwood
   • CommentTimeJul 20th 2010

    
   Heya, my name is Bettina and I'll be studying abroad in Russia for my junior year. I would say that it really probably depends on his abilities to cope alone. Besides the language barriers, which are huge for any person, there is definitely the new environment with which always comes with home sickness and such. I have heard of cases in which students were turned down because they have ADHD, which is worrisome, but I would not let that get in the way. (Besides the fact that I just heard that, I do not know if it is true). I definitely think that if you and he feel that he has the ability to do it, then there should be no reason not to try. It is an amazing experience and if he is able to go for his Eagle Scout and work work in an orphanage, then he may be up to studying abroad. Good luck!
3. • CommentAuthorjenn0708
   • CommentTimeJul 22nd 2010

    
   I think you should apply or at the very least call AFS and discuss with them where the best place for him to go would be and how you can arrange to get him a "mentor" or maybe if they have afs volunteers in certain countries that can help him out! If he really wants to study abroad I think you can work it out so that he can, and I think you are amazing for doing research, helping, and supporting him in this. Does he want to do a summer program that deals with the volunteering aspect or a year program? There are a lot of other programs out there that have great summer programs for habitat for humanity and other global volunteer programs where he could do hands-on projects and then they usually have a week or two that they spend just having fun...AFS also has programs like this. As far as a year program I think the focus is mainly on academics but many countries have volunteer and internships that he can apply for once there, which is a great way to spend your free time during exchange! If you know he is going to be fine in another country then don't worry, it's hard for everyone but it helps that you are supporting him. Give AFS a call and see what kind of information they can give you on this 1-800-AFS-INFO outgoing is extension 1 ! Have Fun!