During their exchange program with AFS, students will live in a host family, attend a local school and therefore experience a foreign culture up close. AFS á Íslandi provides a preparation camp before departure (Undirbúningsnámskeið) and a reorientation-camp (Heimkomunámskeið) where students can share their experience with volunteers and other exchange students.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, students attend a three-day orientation programme aimed at preparing them for life in the city, including the school system and culture. Other meetings are scheduled throughout the year to review progress, with one taking place just before the end of the programme to reflect on the past months and prepare for returning home.
AFS organizes Cantonese lessons and other interesting activities for students and host families. In the past, these have included a Christmas party, Chinese New Year and a Dragon Boat Race. Additional optional activities, such as excursions, field trips and cultural visits, may be offered; the cost of these optional activities is not included in the participation fee.
AFS encourages students to participate in volunteering events in the local community, as this enables them to learn more about Hong Kong and make friends outside of school. The efficient public transport system allows students to easily and safely travel to participate in these and other activities.
Each student will be assigned a volunteer (liaison) to accompany them throughout their journey, helping them to understand the local reality and overcome difficulties in cultural adjustment.