Students must also be American citizens or U.S. permanent residents between the ages of 21 and 30. Knowledge of the local language is not required as English is the working language, though ASF does encourage its participants to study the local language prior to their visit for the trainee s personal benefit. ASF interns are placed into technical jobs related to their majors and are paid at a rate sufficient to cover the cost of living in the host country. In Finland, ASF also offers English teaching positions and farming work. Traineeships are available in the five Scandinavian countries - Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
Some positions last up to six months, ending in fall or winter.
In order to be considered for an ASF internship you must first fill out an application. These applications are due on January 1. Along with their applications, students who wish to can submit a cover letter along with their application stating in which country they would like to be placed. ASF will make the selection of country and of assignment, but individual applicant interests, as stated in the cover letter, will be considered. Only one student is nominated for each position.