From Egypt to the World: My Journey Begins

When I first heard about the AFS Global STEM Accelerators program, I never imagined I’d one day return as a facilitator. My name is Jana Saber, a 19-year-old Egyptian and recent IGCSE valedictorian. For a long time, I thought global programs were reserved for students in places like the U.S., not for someone like me. But then I noticed others from around the world applying and realized it wasn’t about being smarter — it was about access.

So I asked myself: why not me? That simple question pushed me to apply for the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, and later, the AFS Youth Assembly in New York — experiences that reshaped how I see myself and my future.

Discovering the AFS Global STEM Accelerators

My AFS journey didn’t begin with the program I eventually joined. At first, I applied to the AFS Global STEM Academies, which combine online learning with an in-person exchange. I invested a lot into that application, but when I wasn’t accepted, I had to decide whether to stop there or keep trying.

Not long after, I came across the AFS Global STEM Accelerators. Unlike the Academies, it was fully virtual and created specifically for girls who wanted to tackle global challenges through STEM and sustainability. What excited me most was its emphasis on real-world impact. The curriculum tied directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, so we weren’t just learning theory — we were applying ideas to issues that mattered.

Another detail that caught my attention was its accreditation by the University of Pennsylvania. Knowing I’d earn a certificate from such a respected institution gave the program extra value.

As an Egyptian student, I hadn’t seen many girls from my community in spaces like this. That made the idea of joining an international program — where I could share my voice, learn from others, and grow — feel especially powerful. Even though my first application hadn’t worked out, I’m grateful I didn’t stop trying. The Accelerators became the true doorway to something much bigger than I had ever expected.

The Application Process

When I first saw the application, I was surprised by how clear and accessible it felt compared to other programs that bury you in paperwork. Still, I faced a few hurdles. The form asked for a GPA, which doesn’t exist in the British IGCSE system we use in Egypt. I had to reach out to the AFS support team, explaining our letter-grade system and suggesting I list my A* and A grades instead. Thankfully, they were supportive.

The hardest part was the recommendation letter. Coming from a small school, most of my teachers didn’t understand what it was for or why it mattered. After some discouraging responses, I finally turned to my principal, who was also my English teacher. She knew me well and agreed to write it. It wasn’t the strongest letter, but it was sincere, and I trusted the rest of my application to speak for me.

What I appreciated most was that the application didn’t demand perfection. The questions encouraged honesty — asking about my interests, goals, and the kind of impact I wanted to make. Even with the hurdles, the process felt manageable.

Inside the AFS Global STEM Accelerators

Once I was accepted, I quickly realized this wasn’t like any online course I’d known before. From the very first session, it was clear this was more than a program — it was a community. I was surrounded by girls from all over the world, many from countries experiencing war or conflict, yet here we were learning together, sharing our stories, and imagining solutions.

The program stood out because of its interactivity. We discussed climate change, gender equality, renewable energy, and digital innovation. Everything connected to the Sustainable Development Goals, which gave our work real purpose.

The most powerful part was the Capstone Project. Each participant designed a project addressing a real-world issue. For me, it was both exciting and intimidating. I had always wanted to create something meaningful but never knew where to start. Strangely, the hardest part was something small — naming my project. That one detail made me second-guess myself more than anything else.

What helped me most was my mentor. She guided me with patience and encouragement, often reminding me that she had once been in my shoes. Her support gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to complete my project.

Another highlight was the people I met. Everyone was so driven that being among them made me feel valued. For the first time, I felt like my voice mattered just as much as theirs. I even gained a close friend, Manal, who introduced me to volunteering and new opportunities that opened doors beyond the Accelerators.

I didn’t want the program to end. It gave me a sense of belonging I had never experienced before. I was finally in a place where my voice was heard, where my ideas mattered, and where I was surrounded by people who inspired me to keep going.

Completing the program gave me confidence I hadn’t known before. It was my first global experience, and it pushed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. That’s why being invited back later as a facilitator was so meaningful. It allowed me to give back, support new cohorts of girls, and help create the same safe space that once shaped me.

My Journey to the Youth Assembly

What the Youth Assembly Is

When I first heard about the Youth Assembly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it was an international program in New York where young leaders gathered to discuss global challenges, but it sounded far beyond my reach.

What makes the Youth Assembly different is its accessibility. Each accepted participant receives a stipend of up to $2,500 for travel expenses. For many of us, including me, this support made attendance possible.

The Funding and Visa Process

The stipend doesn’t come before the trip — you cover expenses upfront and get reimbursed afterward. At first, this was stressful, but it showed me the organizers’ commitment to making sure money wasn’t a barrier.

As for the visa, everyone warned me it would be nearly impossible. People said I’d be rejected, that the process was intimidating. I started to believe them. But when I actually went through it, I realized it wasn’t as terrifying as people made it sound. It taught me something important: you can’t live by other people’s fears. When I finally got approved, I knew — I was really going to New York.

Building Community Beforehand

Something I didn’t expect was how much I’d connect with people even before the Assembly began. After posting my acceptance on LinkedIn, other delegates reached out. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone. We shared our excitement and anxieties, and some of us even coordinated our travel. By the time I arrived, I already felt like part of a team

The Change Makers Academy at UPenn

Before New York, I spent a few days in Philadelphia for the Change Makers Academy at the University of Pennsylvania. It wasn’t meant as direct preparation, but it gave us tools and confidence that carried into the Assembly.

The program was fast-paced, filled with workshops, discussions, and group projects. A highlight was the two-hour problem-solving challenge, where we had to design and pitch a solution under time pressure. It wasn’t framed as practice for New York, but it sharpened my ability to think quickly, collaborate, and present — skills I relied on at the Assembly.

Beyond the sessions, the people stood out. Working with peers from so many backgrounds showed me how different our perspectives were, yet how much common ground we shared. Even small moments, like late-night reflections with my roommate, made the experience feel more balanced and supportive.

By the end, I felt grounded and ready. The Academy gave me a clearer sense of what to expect in New York and introduced me to peers who became part of my journey. Being at UPenn made the experience even more inspiring, reminding me that our work mattered.

The Youth Assembly in New York

Arriving in New York felt like stepping onto a bigger stage. The scale was unlike anything I had experienced. Hundreds of young leaders from around the world gathered, each with unique perspectives and ideas. The energy was contagious.

The sessions ranged from panels with global leaders to interactive workshops. What stood out was the focus on action — not just talking about problems but exploring solutions young people could drive. It was a reminder that youth voices aren’t just welcome; they’re essential.

Networking was a huge part of the Assembly. Each conversation gave me new ideas, new contacts, and new opportunities. It felt less like an event and more like joining a global network of changemakers.

One highlight was visiting the United Nations Headquarters. Sitting in those halls where world leaders make decisions reminded me that we, too, are part of the global conversation.

By the end, I realized something important: AFS isn’t a one-time experience. Once you’re part of it, you continue to find yourself connected in new ways. The Youth Assembly made that clear — even after the sessions ended, the impact and relationships kept going.

How Global Programs Helped Me Grow

Looking back, these programs changed me profoundly. Before joining, I was shy and unsure of my abilities. Speaking in front of people felt impossible. But being surrounded by brilliant, resilient girls — many from countries experiencing war — inspired me. If they could hold onto hope, then so could I.

The Accelerators gave me self-awareness and confidence. I learned my strengths, boundaries, and how to push myself. That growth helped me graduate as valedictorian after taking five A Levels — something I still find surreal.

The Youth Assembly took growth further. Its scale and energy were overwhelming at first, but it showed me that growth comes when you stretch yourself. These experiences didn’t just shape me academically; they shaped my character and made me realize I want to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Advice to Students Who Want to Apply for Global Programs

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: just apply. Don’t self-reject. I had all the doubts — what if I’m not good enough, what if I don’t have experience? At the time I applied, I had no extracurriculars beyond swimming. Yet I applied anyway, and I got in.

Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Sometimes it’s about numbers or factors outside your control. And once inside, remember: the connections are as valuable as the program itself. Many opportunities I found later came directly from people I met through AFS.

Beyond AFS: What Comes Next

Looking ahead, my goal is to study medicine and become a surgeon. That dream feels much more realistic now because of AFS and the Youth Assembly. They gave me not just knowledge, but belief in myself.

I’ve also learned that success isn’t only personal. It’s about responsibility — contributing to my community and to the world. That’s a mindset I want to carry into everything I do.

Conclusion: Lessons That Last

Every step — from the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, to the Change Makers Academy, to the Youth Assembly — built on the one before it. Together, they shaped me into someone more confident, self-aware, and determined to create change.

I entered unsure of myself, but left with skills, friendships, and a stronger sense of responsibility. I now know growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, saying yes even when you’re scared, and letting yourself be inspired.

AFS taught me that once you join this global community, you’re never truly out of it. The opportunities, connections, and lessons continue to shape you long after the program ends.

For me, this is only the beginning. I hope to study medicine, become a surgeon, and keep contributing locally and globally. But no matter where I go, I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned: that courage matters more than fear, that rejection is never the end, and that we all have the power to create change — if we choose to act.