The safety and welfare of our AFS participants is our highest priority and we want you to know that no matter what questions or problems may arise, there are always AFS volunteers and staff available to help. You should never hesitate to reach out to them when needed. Below are the various support roles at AFS.
AFS Liaison
Each hosted participant and host family are assigned a local volunteer, called a Liaison. Throughout your program, your AFS Liaison will initiate separate contact with both you and your host family each month. Monthly check-ins are an opportunity for you to speak frankly with someone outside the home who understands AFS and the unique challenges you may encounter during your exchange experience. In addition to supporting, you (and your host family), the liaison is also responsible for fulfilling the “monthly contact” requirement established by the U.S. Department of State, which regulates high school exchange programs in the United States. AFS is required to maintain monthly contact with every participant and host family involved in the exchange program, and this is achieved through our liaisons. We ask that you be as flexible as possible in arranging time in your schedule to speak with your liaison and to maintain communication by returning any calls or texts within a timely manner. However, it is important to remember that you do not need to wait for your Liaison to contact you. In fact, we urge you to ask for assistance at any time and before difficulties and misunderstandings escalate to a less manageable situation.
AFS Volunteer Support Coordinator
Your Liaison will keep the Volunteer Support Coordinator informed of any important matters concerning you and your host family and serves as a resource to help resolve any issues or questions that may arise.
AFS Duty Officer
In the event of an emergency outside of regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm EST), if you are unable to reach your host family or Liaison, you should contact the AFS Duty Officer by calling 1-800-AFS-INFO (1-800-237-4636 ext. 9). An emergency might be a car accident, serious illness, or any situation in which the police are involved.
AFS Staff in Partner Country
AFS staff in the U.S. and in your home country work with volunteers in their respective countries to resolve any issues or questions that can’t be resolved by volunteers at the local level.