AFS has many procedures in place to protect the safety and well-being of our students. We hope that these procedures allow for everyone to have a safe and fun time while on their AFS program. However, occasionally, an incident may occur that makes you uncomfortable or nervous. If this happens, please talk to your host family, liaison, a local volunteer or AFS staff person, even if you are not sure if there is cause for alarm.
We understand that in many cultures it may not be acceptable to report some incidents and reporting some incidents may make you uncomfortable. However, you must do so for AFS to help ensure your safety and well-being while on the program.
Please tell us if:
- you or another AFS student are seriously injured.
- you believe someone in your host family has taken/used your money, credit, or debit card.
- you are the victim of a crime, or you committed a crime.
- you have been sexually harassed, abused, or approached by a person who made you feel physically unsafe or violated, even if you are not sure whether what happened would be considered sexual harassment or abuse. **
- you have, or may be perceived as having, sexually abused another person. **
- you or another AFS student has run away or is missing for longer than 24 hours.
- you know of or do anything that has the potential to be covered by the press/media.
- your host family, or another AFS participant’s host family is unable to provide a suitable environment, such as insufficient or inappropriate food or housing.
- you feel that your local AFS volunteer is not able to assist you with your concerns or is threatening you in any way.
- you have lost your DS-2019 form and/or Passport.
**For additional information about situations related to personal safety and sexual harassment refer to the Your Body Your Safety Pamphlet and the Safety Tips section.
There are many ways that you can let us know about any of these kinds of situations:
First, talk to your host family and local volunteer – in case the issue is with your host family. If the situation is urgent, they will help you report it to AFS support staff.
- During business hours, and if you are unable to speak to your host family or local volunteer, you can call the AFS National Office at 1-800-AFS-INFO (1-800-237-4636, press 9) to reach the Participant Support department.
- After business hours, if it is an emergency and you are uncomfortable or unable to talk to your host family or local AFS volunteer, you can contact the AFS Emergency Duty Officer by calling the same office number: 1-800-AFS-INFO (800-237-4636, press 9) this number will be answered 24 hours a day.
- You can write to hotline@afsusa.org regarding any non-emergency situation that worries or concerns you. Emails sent to this address will be read each business day. (Please contact the numbers listed above with any urgent concern.
Finally, if you are unable to get a response from any of the above options, the U.S. Department of State has established a toll-free emergency number (1-866-283-9090). Please see Additional Resources & Documents and scroll all the way down the article for information on the U.S. Department of State.