Airfare
Housing
Meals
24/7 Emergency Support
Field Trips
Cultural Tours
Pre-Departure Orientation
Orientations during your time abroad
Re-entry Orientation

Why STEM?

If you are dreaming about becoming a game developer, coder, engineer, or future innovator, a STEM-focused program is a great opportunity! Get the critical skills you need, while engaging with people from around the world and exploring a new and exciting culture.

Science

experiments creating extraordinary discoveries

Technology

cutting-edge designs we can’t live without

Engineering

brightest ideas that set the world in motion

Mathematics

in Einstein’s words, the poetry of logical ideas

Highlights

Brazil: Energy and Environment

Brazil is a country with a diverse energy matrix and one of the richest bio-diversities in the world. The STEM Academy in Brazil will be focused on energy and the environment while providing experiential contact with the country’s innovations in STEM education.

Egypt: STEM in a Developing Country

USA: Science and the City

A sample day in the STEM Academy

08.30 h – Good Morning!
09:00h – Breakfast
09:30h – Sustainable Energy Lab
14:15h – Lunch
16:00h – Cultural Activities: City Tour
18:00h – Intercultural Orientation
21:00h – Dinner
22:00h – Evening Activities, Night Games, Free Time
23:00h – Good Night!

Apply now!

Do you have any questions about this program? Check out this space for answers!

Who is funding this scholarship?

BP and AFS have partnered to develop the BP Global STEM Academies and BP has
provided funding for 100 full scholarships. Why? Global competencies and STEM
education is critical for student success in today’s global economy. The goal is to
provide this study abroad opportunity to students from diverse backgrounds and in
need of financial support.

What is BP?

BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies. The company’s main businesses are exploration and production of oil and gas; refining, manufacturing and marketing of oil products and petrochemicals; transportation and marketing of natural gas. BP also has a growing renewables business, BP Alternative Energy, focused on proven technologies like wind and emerging forms of renewable energy, like advanced biofuels.

What kind of candidates are you looking for?

AFS and BP share a commitment to diversity and encourage students from any background to apply.

This scholarship is ideal for students who have strong academic records, a desire to study abroad, and a willingness to participate in an academic setting. Strong candidates will be ready to fully immerse themselves in the intercultural learning experience during the duration of the program.

Students with demonstrated strengths in academics, but particularly an interest in math, science, technology and other fields important to the energy industry will be a focus of the program.

Do I get to pick my destination or is a host country selected for me?

Students will be studying in Brazil, Egypt and USA – countries with significant BP operations. While a student’s preference is considered, students must be flexible as AFS works to find the best fit for each student.

AFS reserves the right to choose the final country destination and does not guarantee you will be offered a scholarship to one of the country preferences you list on your AFS application.

What is included in the scholarship?

Your scholarship covers the AFS program fee, domestic and international airfares, and a monthly allowance for participants.

Additionally, your scholarship will reimburse you for a portion of the costs associated with expenses directly related to obtaining a visa, this includes the visa processing fee charged by the consulate, and in a few cases, processing agencies. Thus, please plan to cover the visa fees upfront and save all invoices/receipts. More details about the visa reimbursement process will be provided closer to the time you begin the visa application process.

What is not included in the scholarship?

Expenses not covered by the scholarship include, but are not limited, to:

Vaccinations, immunizations, and other disease-preventing medications (i.e. malaria)
Doctor visits and co-pays
Travel expenses to the regional consulate to obtain a visa
Passport application fee
Passport photos
Additional spending money (above and beyond the monthly stipend you receive as part of the BP scholarship)
Checked luggage fees

How do I apply?

Who will I live with while I am abroad?

When will I receive information about my host family?

This depends on many different factors and is different for everyone. Some students learn of their placement soon after they are accepted into the program; some learn about their host community right before departure. However, most students learn of their placement about 2-4 weeks prior to departure.

The AFS staff and volunteers in your host country work to find the best placement for you and the host family. They want this to be a positive experience for everyone and will work hard to make the best placement possible. Keep in mind that even if a great host family is identified for you, the placement won’t be finalized until a host school placement is confirmed in writing as well. This process takes time. But rest assured that AFS will get your host family contact information to you as soon as it is available. Although we do our best to provide you with your host family information at least two weeks before departure, this is not always possible.

If you have placement restrictions, such as allergies to pets or to the environment, specific requirements for religious services, or any dietary restrictions, the placement process will likely take longer.

STEM Global Prep

An extraordinary study abroad program for students and active global citizens who are energized to help solve some of today’s biggest global challenges.

What's included in your experience