COVID-19 Resources

AFS Intercultural Programs affirms our commitment to resume programming for the second half of 2020 in a number of locations and where feasible. As a global network, we are actively re-assessing conditions on a country-by-country basis keeping participant safety and well-being our number one priority. For 2020 and beyond, we will be launching an innovative, impact-driven new AFS program experience that builds on the classic AFS exchange program, to ensure the best participant experience, and catalyze the next generation of leaders ready to pursue and deliver on our mission of active global citizenship.

COVID-19 causes international exchanges to end early

Early in March, some 7,000 students had to end their AFS study abroad programs early. AFS, a leading international education organization, rapidly reconfigured and deployed a virtual learning platform to provide those thousands of…continue

Global citizenship: No longer optional

Educating more young people to become global citizens is crucial in times like these, and it matters for the future of humanity, writes Daniel Obst, AFS President & CEO. Read more to see what 3 traits will be key for young people.

A commitment to service in times of crisis

Over the weeks, we have repatriated over 5,00 AFS participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his article, Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, shares his reflections on gratitude to the…continue

Update on the AFS Response to COVID-19

As the global COVID-19 outbreak continues to unfold, our number one priority is the health, safety, and well-being of all our students—our international students who are currently hosted by families here in the Philippines…continue

Update on the AFS Response to COVID-19

AFS Intercultural Programs is closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures and actions by global health experts and government officials, including the declaration by the World Health Organization of the COVID-19 pandemic…continue

Support Our Mission

AFS is one of the largest and most enduring not-for-profit international exchange organizations, with a mission to provide intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

To help AFS protect decades of knowledge from our committed volunteers, host families and staff, and to allow AFS to continue empowering the next generation of active Global Citizens, please consider contributing to the AFS COVID-19 Response Fund.

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1. Why did AFS end its 2020 exchange programs early?

AFS ended its 2020 exchange programs early because we strongly believe it is in the best interest of our participants to be back with their families in their home countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current trajectory of the pandemic makes it difficult to predict how the situation will evolve. Increasingly and at a rapid pace, governments are moving to close borders and implement measures to quarantine. Many countries have suspended schools, closed borders, and enforced strict quarantine measures.

In light of this, we made the difficult decision to end programs and implement a coordinated global plan to bring home participants where possible and safe. We are working individually with each participant and family to arrange for what is best for them in the current circumstances. AFS will continue to provide all program support and services to those participants that must remain under the care of the host family for the time being.

We are committed to returning students in the safest way possible. Return travel plans will take into consideration official information from reliable sources, like the World Health Organization and national governments, as well as the urgency and safety of moving our participants.

2. Why wouldn’t AFS just continue with programs until governments shut down or require cancellation?

Following the World Health Organization’s March 11th declaration that COVID-19 had reached pandemic proportions, AFS made the decision to move quickly to act in the best interest of our participants. Because the pandemic is moving so rapidly, and evolving in unexpected ways, we decided it was best to get in front of these events and organize a coordinated global plan to bring home participants.

Some participants may not be able to return home immediately because of local circumstances or travel restrictions.

As the situation changes, our AFS network partners will work diligently to return participants home to the parents/natural families when we believe it is safe and possible to do so.

3. Is student travel on planes more dangerous than staying with host families? What about governments and officials advising to stay at home?

When planning each participant’s travel home during this difficult time, AFS takes into account guidance from international experts like the World Health Organization (WHO), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as well as GMMI and On Call International. Governmental health departments are the ultimate authorities that dictate the criteria allowing international travel.

Our decisions take into consideration:

(A) If a host country government deems it allowable for students to leave.

(B) If a home country government is willing to accept students to come back.

When a safe return is not possible or advisable, AFS will support students staying with their host families until circumstances allow for travel home.

We strongly believe it is in the best interest of our participants to be back with their natural families in their home countries in these uncertain times.

4. What does “shelter in place” mean?

5. How will AFS determine if it is safe and secure to return home?

Our AFS network partners will work with their government partners and local advisors to make that determination.

In countries where borders are closed or inbound international flights have been temporarily halted, students will likely shelter in place with the full support of AFS staff and volunteers. Similarly, in countries where arrival could require quarantine or similar measures, students likely will be advised to shelter in place. This decision will be examined in each individual case.

6. What happens if circumstances change after travel starts and students get delayed/stuck?

We are closely monitoring the global air travel landscape and working on a case-by-case basis to accommodate students whose return may be disrupted. AFS will continue to provide all program support and services until it becomes possible for the student to return to their home country. If the risk is determined to be too high, the participant will likely be advised to shelter in place with the full support of AFS staff and volunteers.

COVID-19 causes international exchanges to end early

Global citizenship: No longer optional

A commitment to service in times of crisis

Update on the AFS Response to COVID-19

Update on the AFS Response to COVID-19

Support Our Mission

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did AFS end its 2020 exchange programs early?

2. Why wouldn’t AFS just continue with programs until governments shut down or require cancellation?

3. Is student travel on planes more dangerous than staying with host families? What about governments and officials advising to stay at home?

4. What does “shelter in place” mean?

5. How will AFS determine if it is safe and secure to return home?

6. What happens if circumstances change after travel starts and students get delayed/stuck?

7. How will AFS determine if it is better to shelter in place?

8. How long might students need to shelter in place?

9. I have more doubts, what should I do next?