AFS-USA has received a letter intended for all placement organizations from the Department of State in which they have shared their intention to shorten the FLEX and YES programs. They have noted that the Department of State’s goal is to safely transfer all FLEX and YES students home at the earliest opportunity.
Author: Tara Hofmann
We are writing today to inform you that arrangements have been made for students from the following countries to return home this coming Friday, March 27: Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Travel is being arranged via a charter flight that will depart from Chicago O’Hare airport to bring students to their home countries.
During the first part of this week, we are focusing on returning students home who are from Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Iceland. There may be additional countries able to depart this week if circumstances change and we will do our best to give you as much notice as possible.
During the last few days, over 200 currently hosted students have already returned home. Thank you to our volunteers, host families, and staff who mobilized so well for this first group of student returns.
A message from AFS-USA President and CEO Tara Boyce-Hofmann to all volunteers.
The following message was sent to AFS-USA school contacts regarding core hosted student’s shortened programs.
There are three critically important issues that warrant my addressing you directly about: Program Terminations, Visas, and the return of students to Italy.
A message from AFS-USA President and CEO Tara Boyce-Hofmann to all current students on Year and Semester programs and their host families.
The following message was sent to all host families and students (Core program only, not including YES and FLEX) to clarify information concerning the change in length of their AFS program.
As you probably know, AFS is a designated sponsor and must strictly adhere to and be compliant with the US Department of State Exchange Visitor regulations. It was necessary to consult with the Department of State, and now that we have completed consultation, we are announcing the decision to shorten AFS programs in the United States.