Please note that this message is internal and for reference by AFS-USA Volunteers regarding the YES Abroad 2020-21 program.
Dear AFS-USA Volunteers,
We hope this message finds you well!
This is an important update about the YES Abroad program for 2020-21. Decisions about the YES Abroad program are independent of and do not have any bearing on other programs, including any flagship (core) programs, nor to the inbound YES to USA hosting program.
As we shared in early January (linked here), the spring component of the 2020-21 YES Abroad program to Thailand was scheduled to occur in-person, while all other YES Abroad countries were proceeding with spring programs in the virtual environment. Unfortunately, due to local conditions, a spring in-person YES Abroad program in Thailand is no longer feasible, and the YES Abroad Thailand participants will continue with a virtual spring program, along with all other YES Abroad countries. Following is a copy of the U.S. Department of State’s notice to the YES Abroad Thailand participants.
It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that the U.S. Department of State, in consultation with YES Abroad implementing partners American Councils and AFS, has decided to cancel in-person programming for the second semester in Thailand.
This decision was made with your health and well-being as top priorities in view of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. The Department of State took into consideration current in-country conditions, including host family and institutional capacity constraints, and Thailand’s Ministry of Education’s decision to halt in-person schooling for the foreseeable future.
We share your disappointment in this news and hope you will continue to participate in the virtual programming offered to YES Abroad students this spring.
We sincerely thank our volunteers for their support of this meaningful program, and we appreciate the flexibility of participants in continuing with a virtual program during these difficult times. Please reach Heather or Allen with any questions about the YES Abroad program at yesabroad@afsusa.org or 646-751-2151.
With our best,
Heather and Allen
Heather Jackson, YES Abroad Specialist
Allen Evans, Manager, Outbound Sponsored Programs
646-751-2151
yesabroad@afsusa.org
AFS-USA
120 Wall Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10005
www.afsusa.org
www.yes-abroad.org