The FLEX and YES students are entitled to receive a monthly stipend from the FLEX and YES Program. The purpose of this stipend is to allow the students to purchase things they might need to participate in American life. While on program, students will be living with a host family who will provide meals and housing, which is the largest portion of the living costs. However, there are other expenses that will arise while on program that the students will need to take responsibility for. The monthly stipend of U.S. $200 will allow the students to pay for things such as:
- School supplies
- Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
- Social activities (movies, sports events, other entertainment)
- Meals out with friends, snacks
- Phone cards/phone bills
- Presents for family back home
Stipends should NOT be used to pay for expensive electronics or saved to take home.
The YES or FLEX student should have direct access to their stipend and the host family is not responsible for holding onto or managing the student’s stipend money. If there are any budgeting concerns, please reach out to the AFS Liaison or Support Coordinator.
For non-support, stipend related questions, such as a stipend check lost in transit or a name misspelling on the check, please email spexpenses@afsusa.org who will connect you with the AFS-USA Finance team.
Stipend Schedule *The information below is subject to change
| Stipend | Amount | Mailed Out |
| Aug + Sep | $400 | Depends on arrival |
| Oct + Nov | $400 | Beginning of Oct |
| Dec + Jan | $400 | Beginning of Dec |
| January Arrival Semester | $200 | TBD |
| Feb + Mar | $400 | Beginning of Feb |
| Apr + May | $400 | Beginning of Apr |
| Jun + Travel | $300 | Beginning of May |
Please note that stipend checks expires 120 days after the initial date of printing (3 months).
Host Family Incidentals Allowance
Each YES and FLEX students have $300 allocated to help host families cover the additional costs associated with their YES or FLEX student’s participation in school. Host parents must submit their expenses and receipts to AFS-USA in order to be reimbursed; the allowance is not paid out in advance to host families. Students are not allowed to submit for reimbursement of these funds. If students are interested in using the Host Family Incidental Funds, they should discuss it with their host family and the host family should reach out to get reimbursed.