AFS-USA was informed by the U.S. Department of State that they, together with the German Bundestag, have decided to cancel the in-person component of the CBYX program, scheduled to depart in January 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic and the challenges it poses for the implementation of the CBYX program the two government agencies have jointly concluded that the in-person program between the United States and Germany cannot be implemented even in a shortened version.
This was not an easy decision and we are aware that it will come as a great disappointment to the CBYX students. However, all stakeholders remain committed to providing students with a robust CBYX program in the virtual environment. The German language courses and other program-specific virtual sessions offered to participants will continue this fall as planned, and the Department of State is looking into the possibility of extending virtual programming through the spring. AFS-USA strongly encourages participants to make the most of these opportunities, and continue to participate in the CBYX Virtual program, as the skills developed through this experience will assist them, should they decide to re-apply for another CBYX program. Please note that CBYX Virtual program alumni will remain eligible to apply for a future CBYX cohort, provided they meet eligibility criteria. Those students who will no longer be eligible to apply for the CBYX high school program will be redirected to apply for the CBYX professional or vocational program in the future.
As of this morning, American and German participants have been sent a formal notification letter from the Department of State and Bundestag informing them of the cancelation of the in-person component. The host families who committed to hosting German and U.S. participants have been contacted as well, along with the Area Team volunteers and AFS staff directly impacted by this announcement.
We’d like to thank all our volunteers who assisted in recruiting, selecting, and placing our CBYX 20-21 cohort. Should you receive any questions about the CBYX program from participants, natural families, or host families, or if you have any questions, please reach out to the CBYX programs team at CBYX@afsusa.org or 646-751-2161.