AFS-USA Orientation Overview
Orientations are an essential element to the AFS exchange experience. Built on the AFS-USA Educational Goals and AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum, each orientation and the learning activities that accompany them are structured on the different elements of the learning journey that complement each stage of your experience and provide support, encouragement and skills training that constructively process and deepen the AFS experience.
Facilitated by trained AFS Volunteers the structure of Orientations enhances the exchange experience through a non-formal, goal-based, developmentally designed education program. Orientations consist of progressive learning activities and discussions that encourage students to continually examine their own world views, explore alternative outlooks and adjust their perspectives, mindset and behaviors accordingly. At Orientations, students are taught how to learn from and “make meaning” of their new life using tools to help them reflect and analyze their experiences in a structured way. They are then encouraged to experiment and adjust their behaviors based on insights gained and continue the cycle of learning.
What is Arrival Orientation?
The "Arrival Orientation" serves to introduce many topics that will be revisited in greater detail at the Post-Arrival Orientation, since most participants will be tired after their long journey. This orientation also gives AFS Participants a chance to meet with others from around the world who are hosted in the same area. Depending on how many participants are placed in your area and when they arrive your arrival orientation may take place one on one with a volunteer or with a group of participants. It may take place virtually or in person. Topics covered in the Arrival Orientation include:
- The AFS Educational Goals
- The orientation process and local orientation schedule
- AFS policies, requirements, and expectations
- Any information specific to your local community
- The cultural adjustment process
- Developing realistic expectations for the upcoming year
- General host family expectations
You will be reminded of other essential information such as the name and contact information for your local volunteer contact person or liaison, as well as emergency contact information and procedures. The Arrival Orientation will also cover what to expect in the first few days after arrival, including school registration. At this time, volunteers will check to make sure that you have obtained the proper visa needed to remain in the U.S. for the length of your program. You should bring a photocopy of your passport photo page and your U.S. visa, which will be reviewed by volunteers or staff.
What happens after Arrival Orientation?
If you attend the Arrival Orientation immediately when you land in the U.S., you will likely either travel to your host community the same or next day or meet your host family at the orientation site. If you do not attend an Arrival Orientation immediately, then you travel to your host family first and then participate in the Arrival Orientation within one week of your arrival to the U.S.
Am I required to attend all orientations?
Yes! Attendance at all orientation activities is mandatory. Orientations are an important component of the AFS Student Learning Journey, in addition to the online component and monthly reflections with your liaison. Failure to attend an orientation event may hinder your adjustment process and jeopardize your program status.
Every AFS participant will experience a series of emotional ups and downs during their stay abroad. This is a normal and important part of the intercultural exchange experience. The AFS Orientations are designed to help you through this adjustment process, whether they are virtual or in person and they are a great way to meet other exchange students.
Will I have contact with AFS Volunteers during my program?
YES. The AFS Volunteers in your community are your connection to AFS. These volunteers form groups called “Chapters” or “Area Teams”. Volunteers in each Chapter or Area Team provide support to you and your host family. Prior to your arrival in the U.S., you will be given an ID card containing the name and contact information of a volunteer called a “Liaison”, who will be your personal contact for questions or problems. Your AFS Liaison will contact you and your host family monthly to help ensure that you are having a successful stay in the U.S.
During the year, the local AFS volunteers will plan additional orientations for you and other AFS participants placed in your area. These orientations will help you adjust to your new environment and culture. Some Area Teams plan additional, optional activities, such as holiday gatherings, picnics, or community-service opportunities.
Schedule of Orientations
(This may vary by AFS Chapter or Team.)
- Arrival Orientation: Upon arrival or within one week of arriving in the United States
- Post-Arrival Orientation: 3-6 weeks after arrival
- Mid-Stay Orientation: late January to early March (not all areas have a Mid-Stay Orientation)
- End-of-Stay Orientation: 6 to 8 weeks prior to your return
- Departure Logistics Webinar: 10-14 days prior to departure
What can I expect from the orientations?
The “Post-Arrival Orientation” takes place 3-6 weeks after arrival and usually lasts anywhere from a day to a weekend. It will revisit many of the issues introduced in the Arrival Orientation, as well as the following topics:
- Adjusting to a new family
- The AFS support structure
- Developing cultural awareness
- Cultural adjustment strategies
- School and friendships
This is a time for hosted participants to share their concerns about the challenges they may be facing while adjusting to their new surroundings, and to hear the stories of other exchange students going through similar experiences. The role of the volunteers is to facilitate the discussion by encouraging self-reflection and by introducing various concepts and strategies that will help hosted participants gain a deeper understanding of the cultural adjustment process and the potential for learning that it presents.
The “Mid-Stay Orientation” usually occurs between January and March but does not take place in all areas. If your area team does offer this orientation, then you are required to attend, as with all other orientations. Host family members may be invited to all or part of this orientation. The Mid-Stay Orientation gives hosted participants the opportunity to get together and reflect on their experiences up to that point and what they still want to accomplish in the months that remain. As January and February are often times participants may be feeling the effects of the “winter blues,” the Mid-Stay Orientation is also a good time for exchange students to get together for some fun.
The “End-of-Stay Orientation” helps hosted participants prepare for their departure from the U.S. and introduces them to readjustment issues they may face when they re-enter their home countries. This orientation is for participants, but some local orientations include host siblings and host parents, as host family members may be experiencing mixed emotions about the upcoming departure of their participant. This orientation varies in length from a half-day to a weekend.
The last orientation event is the “Departure Logistics Webinar” which takes place 10-14 days before departure to your home country. This webinar will be a time for local volunteers to share departure day details with you and your host parents and will include tips to prepare for your departure and important details for traveling to the airport and flying home.