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.
AFS is implementing a coordinated plan to bring home sending participants where possible and safe. We are prioritizing how we work based upon the situations in each country, and in some cases regions of a country, logistics, and availability of travel.
The AFS program is ending early in an increasing number of countries, and others will follow. We are communicating directly with the AFS students in the US whose home AFS organizations have decided to have them return home.
During the past several weeks, AFS has shortened programs in several countries, and students have returned home. Despite what you may have heard, nothing has been decided about AFS-USA’s hosting program in the United States.
Based on the realities of the situation, and after careful consideration, AFS has decided to suspend all current hosting programs in Germany.
Based on the guidance of the Spanish government, and after careful consideration, AFS has decided to suspend all current hosting programs in Spain.
First, on behalf of all of us at AFS-USA, thank you for all that you are doing to remain available to participants, host parents, educators, and others and share information that you have, while doing all that you can to create a sense of calm and confidence in AFS within your community.
Based on the guidance of the Norwegian government, and after careful consideration, AFS has decided to suspend all current hosting programs in Norway.
We’d like to share some additional guidance to help in responding to members of the AFS community (families, students, etc.).