Please help us in talking about COVID-19 and AFS using the same language. It’s important to use the phrasing and words listed below.

Here is the position statement. It’s critical that the words be used in this way:

AFS International, the governing body of 50+ AFS organizations worldwide, has made the decision to shorten the duration of the program and return students to their families.

Here is how we explain the process that AFS-USA is undergoing:

AFS-USA has a well-organized and staggered plan to return students to their families that will require weeks to implement and it is based on many factors, most especially the availability of travel.

Here is the terminology for what we have often referred to as Program Release:

We must talk about Program Termination, not Program Release. AFS-USA is not allowing what we traditionally refer to as a Program Release, in which a student ends their AFS program but remains in the U.S. Once travel has been arranged, the student must return to their family in their home country. Programs are terminated.

How do we explain the rationale for shortening programs and students returning to their families?

In the best interest of participants, AFS International, the governing body of 50+ AFS organizations worldwide, has made the decision to shorten the duration of the program and return students to their families. AFS-USA is working to plan departures based on the availability of travel.

How do we explain disappointment of having to shorten programs?

As leaders in global intercultural exchange, we know first-hand the transformative nature of the exchange experience for participants, families, volunteers and others and it saddens us to bring these experiences to an early end. In our more than 70-year history, this is unprecedented.

What can we say to students as they prepare to depart?

Please spend time with your host family and thank them for the many ways that they are caring for you, especially during these times of great challenge. We are proud to welcome you into our alumni family of AFSers around the world and have an alumni program where you can continue to stay connected!  Visit https://www.afsusa.org/alumni/

What about the future of AFS-USA Programs?

AFS was founded in 1947 and since then we have been operating programs continuously. Our programs will continue. Our mission is needed now more than ever as we create the global citizens that the world needs.

Here is our AFS-USA Mission:

AFS-USA empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world

For the most up-to-date public-facing statement, please go to the home page of www.afsusa.org.