A-SMYLE applicants answering essay questions

Round 1: Pre-Test
Students meeting the age and grade criteria are invited to take a 16 question, multiple choice English test. Locations and dates can be found on the American Councils website.

Round 2: Secondary Level English Proficiency and Essay Test
Students who successfully complete Round 1 are invited to take the Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) test. Students are also asked to write three in-class essays (in English) in response to specific questions.

Round 3: Application and Interviews
In round three, students are asked to submit complete applications and are interviewed. Less than 15 percent of original applicants are invited to complete applications. Applicants also participate in group interviews. These are conducted in Serbian and led by recruiting staff members.

Round 4: Selection
American Councils-trained volunteer evaluators meet daily to carefully review the applications and complete the selection process. Finalists are chosen and the search for safe and appropriate host families, where the students will live while in the United States, begins.

Please visit the American Councils website for additional selection information.