Ima create a new thread real quick for those that are signing up for the 19-20 CBYX application. Here we can help each other out hopefully and get through this together !! Any alumni that are reading please come and help us ignorant fools, we’ll need it!
lmk if you need anything! i was on cb 2017-2018
Thank you so much!
I do have one question tho. How did you go about writing your host family letter?
I’m applying to both CBYX and YES abroad. Anyone else?
are there any helpful blog posts/articles with application/interview tips?
I’m kind of confused about word counts because I can’t find a max word count for any of the essay questions. I’m an alumn of another study abroad program (NSLI-Y) so I have done a pretty similar application but NSLI-Y’s application had a max word count so I knew roughly how long it should be. Are you guys writing around a paragraph or more? My host letter is longer but I’m stuck on the length of the other essays.
Hey guys! 2017-2018 Alum here! I know this time a few years ago, I was pulling my hair out and combing the internet for ANY help. I was CIEE, so @marylynnrose we had word caps for everything except the host family letter. For the letter, don’t sweat it too much. The point is to honestly present yourself, so just be you and start a conversation with your hopefully future host fam.
If anyone needs anything, just message me. I love helping anyway I can!
I’m applying! I’m also a NSLI-Y alum (Chinese). Does anyone have any idea of how they view NSLI-Y alums as applicants? Would it hurt the applicant because of the change in language/location?
YFU deadline extended to the 18th! That’s some great luck if you ask me.
We should start a social media group chat.
Add me @paul_namphy
Hello, can someone give me a timeline as to when we will know more information? I would love to have a sense of the things that may be coming.
How is the acceptance rate? Is it easier or harder to get in? What kinds of things matter other than essays for the application?
Hi! I just accidentally clicked into the 2018-2019 chat whoops but now this is the right one.
@neurochic about the acceptance rate I don’t think there’s an official statement from CBYX for that but I know in the other chat I looked at it said the competition varies from your region it went:
(Most Competitive)
- CIEE
- AFS
- FLAG
- ASSE
- YFU
(Least Competitive)
But really it just all depends I’m guessing.
@sophiacohen26 I have rough idea from talking with my regions group “executives” (YFU). I had the same question as it is all confusing. The starting of an application closed on December 18th after being pushed back. However, if you started one by that day (12-18-18) you can continue your application (this is true for YFU applicants others I am unsure of) after submission of your application they (the organization your region is working with) will contact you for an in person interview. Then around March they should contact you of whether you are a finalist. Then from July-September are potential time of departure.
*again, this may be different for your region but this is what I know based off of YFU Representatives and Information.
Does anyone have any interview tips?
I applied to CBYX as well as YES abroad. I’m super exited to see if I made semi-finalist for CBYX.
Hey! I’m in AFS and am applying this year as well. I have my interview in less than a week!! How is everyone doing so far on their applications and interviews?
Hi! I just had my interview yesterday; and my interviewer mentioned these forums, so I made an account here. The best advice I can give for interviewing is to just be honest. You don’t want to sound like you’re just saying the answers they want to hear. Anyways, I think mine went really well. My interviewer and I had a lot in common, and it was just fun to talk with her about her experience as an alum. I’m in the YFU region, so fingers crossed I’ll get in and meet some of you guys!
Hey guys I just had my interview a couple days ago as well (with YFU)! Really excited to hear the results in the future! I though the questions were somewhat similar to the application and really answer the questions about what is exactly being asked! I had a really nice interviewer, so I hope everyone’s are too!