Dear Parents and Guardians of Current AFS Participants in Norway,
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) has been at the forefront of the news every day. As you can imagine, the spread of the virus has created a number of challenges for AFS, both here and in countries around the world.
At noon on Thursday, March 12th, the Norwegian government announced a significant escalation of their response to COVID-19.
Based on their guidance, and after careful consideration, AFS has decided to suspend all current hosting programs in Norway. We at AFS in the United States, along with our colleagues in Oslo, are extremely disappointed to have to cancel what we know to be a transformative experience for your teenager. But, as we hope you can understand, our number one concern is their health, safety, and well-being.
We are in close communication with AFS Norway to ensure that you, your student, and their host family are informed of this decision in the most coordinated way possible.
By the time you receive this communication or shortly thereafter, all students hosted in Norway and their host parents will learn that all AFS exchange programs in Norway are being suspended. The goal is to allow them to leave as early as March 15th, depending on the availability of international flights. We will share all logistical information with you as soon as possible.
We understand that you may be very disappointed and perhaps feeling unsettled by this situation. Please know that our robust, dedicated, and skilled response network in Norway and around the world is working together to coordinate the logistics of this decision. We have more than 70 years of experience in providing international exchanges across the globe, often in uncertain times.
Prior to your child’s return, please become familiar with any updated guidance on safety rules so that, once your child returns home, you can take any necessary steps that may reduce the risk of infection. Host families and volunteers will also provide advice to students currently in Norway, but please continue to monitor the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control websites.
AFS-USA will share this news with our AFS Volunteers in the U.S. We will continue to keep you informed, as needed. Our support staff and others will be working with you as necessary, but please know that you can reach out to me, as well.
As always, thank you for your confidence and trust in AFS-USA.
