Generally, all ECA Programs (FLEX & CBYX) students are expected to depart in the first or second week of June, specific travel dates will be shared with students about halfway through their program cycle. Students must travel on their assigned departure date with their country cohort.
Please note that as per ECA policy, year-end activities (such as prom, graduation, important host family events, etc.) are not considered when assigning return flight dates and the student must return to their home country on the assigned travel date at the end of the program. Additionally, the U.S. visa will not be amended or extended beyond the program end date. No exceptions will be made.
Per AFS policy, travel must be completed at least one week prior to departure from the host community.
CBYX Participants
CBYX students are generally scheduled to depart the U.S. in June. They will travel from their host community directly home. Prior to their departure, CBYX students will receive specific departure materials and attend activities run by AFS-USA staff, including discussions on what it means to be a CBYX alumnus and how to stay connected once they return home. As soon as the dates have been confirmed, the CBYX Team at AFS-USA will contact students and host families directly with more specific information about departure logistics. Reach the CBYX Team at AFS-USA with any questions at CBYX@afsusa.org.
FLEX Participants
FLEX students choose from a select number of different departure dates, all between mid-May and mid-June. Depending on the departure date FLEX students choose, some of them will either travel to Washington, D.C for a special End-of-Stay Orientation or depart right for their home country with a layover at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC. During the End-of-Stay orientation, students will attend workshops on leadership and discuss organizing alumni activities once they return to their home countries. The FLEX Team at AFS-USA will contact students, host families, and volunteers directly with more specific information about departures starting in December, 2025.