| Dear AFS-USA Volunteers,
I am writing to share disappointing, but not entirely unexpected news. The U.S. Department of State has informed AFS-USA that they have decided to cancel the in-person component of the YES and FLEX programs, scheduled to arrive to the U.S. in January for the spring semester, and instead, change the program to an all-virtual format. They have noted that this determination has been made “due to COVID-19 and the unpredictable conditions in U.S. schools and host communities.” Please note that no changes have been made to the in-person components of the outbound ECA programs, including YES Abroad and NSLI-Y, for the Spring semester.
Please see this notification letter that the Department of State has prepared for all host families, FLEX and YES participants, and their natural parents regarding this update. We ask that you refrain from communicating about this with participants before Friday, October 30, to allow ample time for the recruiting partners to notify the students directly.
We know that this decision will come as a great disappointment to the FLEX and YES students, as well as all of you involved in their programming. While we are disappointed that the in-person component has been cancelled, please know that all stakeholders remain committed to providing students with a robust FLEX and YES virtual program that will continue to include virtual host family engagement, peer interactions, and enhancement activities. The Sponsored Programs team is determining next steps for virtual programming and will be posting announcements about becoming engaged in virtual programming for this spring semester. AFS-USA strongly encourages participants to make the most of these virtual opportunities and upon completion of the virtual program in spring 2021, participants will be considered FLEX or YES virtual program alumni.
We’d like to thank all of our volunteers who assisted with placing our FLEX and YES 2020-21 cohorts in host families and in schools, and those who have been involved in virtual programming this past month. Additional messaging will be sent directly to those involved in the current virtual programming.
Many of you have been seeking families and students for the 2020-21 school year since last fall or winter. We acknowledge that it was difficult when so many of their programs were cancelled and others were deferred from fall to spring. We know that it is equally difficult, if not more so, to learn now that these students will not be coming to the U.S. at all. In the midst of this disappointment, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work that has been done, even in the face of a worldwide pandemic and so much uncertainty. Our mission of creating a more just and peaceful world will continue for many years into the future, starting with our programs in 2021, and we hope that you will remain committed to AFS as we work to create that future.
Should you receive any questions about the FLEX and YES program from participants, natural families, or host families, or if you have any questions, please reach out to your Regional Field Specialist or your Regional Director. Thank you! |