Attention ALL AFS VOLUNTEERS!
Want to learn more about AFS Sponsored Programs and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affair’s (ECA) youth exchange initiatives? If so, we invite you to complete the 2026 ECA Programs Workshop Application Form by January 5, 2026!
When & Where:
March 13–16, 2026 | DoubleTree Crystal City, Arlington, VA
Why Attend?
- Learn & Lead: Gain insights into ECA programs and share knowledge with your teams and communities.
- Celebrate Culture: Deepen understanding of YES, FLEX, and CBYX countries to enhance hosting and inspire U.S. students to study abroad.
- Share & Inspire: Master storytelling techniques to promote hosting, volunteer recruitment, and advocacy for exchange programs.
Following is a brief agenda:
- Friday, 3/13/26, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm – Welcome and International Bazaar
- Saturday, 3/14/26, from 9:00am to 5:00pm – General Program Sessions + DC Community Summit (from 10:00am to 4:00pm)*
* The Sponsored Programs team is partnering with the Stakeholder Engagement team to host the DC Community Summit. Volunteers from surrounding area teams will join the ECA Workshop participants for this one-day event to deepen their impact through conversations about engagement in their team and community and the support of AFS participants and their host families.
Please note: volunteers in the Capital, Virginia, and DelMarPa Area Teams will receive more information about registering for the Community Summit in January.
- Sunday, 3/15/26, from 9:00am to 5:00pm – General Program Sessions and Preparation for Hill Visits
- Monday, 3/16/26, from 9:00am onwards – Educator & School of the Year Awards* and Capitol Hill Visits
* FYI: Nominations for Educator & School of the Year Awards are open through 12/15/25, we encourage you to nominate an educator or school.
Who is eligible to attend?
Current registered volunteers (21+) and host parents from 2023–2025. Host parents confirmed to attend the workshop will need to register to be a volunteer prior to the event.
By extending the opportunity to a wider audience, we hope more people will obtain a broader understanding of ECA programs and of the role of AFS-USA as an implementer. If you are interested in attending this year’s ECA Workshop, we invite you to complete the 2026 ECA Programs Workshop Application Form by January 5, 2026.
Space is limited. We will prioritize selection on the following criteria:
- Those attending their first ECA Workshop
- Those who haven’t attended the ECA Workshop since 2023
- Geographical diversity
Invitations and registration information will be emailed to Workshop invitees by mid-January.
What Workshop expenses will be paid by AFS-USA?
- Round-trip travel between your home and Arlington, VA (Economy class only).
- Mileage reimbursement (70 cents per mile) for those who do not fly, provided that the mileage reimbursement is less than the cost of a round-trip plane ticket.
- Hotel room for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, shared with another volunteer. Volunteers who request a single room will need to pay 50% of the cost of their room for the weekend. Space is limited, so single rooms are not guaranteed.
- Meals during the workshop.
If you have any questions or inquiries, you can contact ECAprograms@afsusa.org.
All the best from the 2026 ECA Workshop Planning Committee!