As some of you may have already heard, AFS-USA and AFS Germany were directed early this morning by the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag to inform American and German CBYX participants, natural families, and host families of the program sponsor’s decision to curtail the NH19 CBYX program. Out of an abundance of caution, the funder has directed AFS and other CBYX implementers to return American and German CBYX participants to their home countries in the coming days.
As we understand it, the State Department will not be honoring individual requests for participants to remain in their host countries, and orientation activities will not be conducted as the German participants depart the U.S., nor as the American participants return to the U.S.
AFS-USA, our colleagues in Germany, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Berlin are continually monitoring the situation and will follow up with stakeholders if there is additional information. As you are already aware, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information and best practices for managing daily health, here.
Our team is working diligently together with our AFS-USA Executive Team, Travel Department, Participant Support Department, and colleagues at AFS Germany regarding next steps, including making logistical and travel arrangements, and will share updates with stakeholders as they are available.
If you do have an urgent question or concern, kindly reach us at cbyx@afsusa.org or 646-751-2161. As always, all participant emergencies, both inside and outside of business hours, should be directed to the AFS-USA Participant Support Department and 24/7 duty officer at 800-237-4636, extension 9.
We thank our volunteers, host families, host schools, and participants for the hard work that has facilitated a meaningful and positive exchange between our American and German cultures during the NH19 cycle, and we thank you for your support during this time.
With our best,
Jon and Allen
Jon Meyer, CBYX Specialist
Allen Evans, Manager, Outbound Sponsored Programs
646-751-2161
cbyx@afsusa.org