When is my host community departure date?
Please refer to this article to find out the departure dates when it becomes available.
I’m missing my high school prom and graduation - can I change my departure date?
No - Year-end activities, such as prom, graduation, important host family events, are not considered when assigning return flight dates. Students must take their scheduled return flight to DC at the end of the program. Please note that the U.S. visa cannot be amended or extended beyond the program's end date, and no exceptions will be made.
When do I need to complete my personal trips by?
Per AFS-USA policy, travel must be completed at least one week prior to departure from the host community.
How many suitcases can I bring back to my home country when I depart from the USA?
The YES and FLEX programs will cover the cost for students to check up to two suitcases, in addition to allowing one carry-on suitcase and a small personal item upon departure. Any additional checked bags will be the student's financial responsibility. To make travel easier, we recommend limiting to two checked bags.
What is the travel allowance that was added to my last stipend check? What is this extra money for?
The YES and FLEX programs cover the cost of 2 checked bags (within airline weight and size limits) on students' return flights. To cover fees that may be incurred in host communities, the YES and FLEX programs have provided an allowance to cover these costs by way of adding funds to each student's final stipend. The amount each student receives for the travel allowance is determined by actual luggage fees by airline and routing.
- If the student received $45-$50: their flight ticket includes one of 2 checked suitcases and they will need to pay for the 2nd checked suitcase at the airport within weight and size restrictions
- If the student received $80-$100: they need to pay for both of their checked suitcases at the airport within weight and size restrictions
- If the student did not receive any travel allowance: their ticket includes 2 checked suitcases or they are getting dropped off at the orientation
Please note that most airports may not accept cash payments, so students may need to ask a trusted adult to pay using their credit/debit card in exchange for your cash. Host families are not responsible for paying for the luggage.
After YES students' participation at the End of Stay Orientation in DC, YES program staff will pay for any fees associated with 2 checked bags (within airline weight and size limits) for their onward international flight.
I have too many things and they don't fit in my 2 suitcases! Can I ship some home?
AFS student hosted in the U.S. can receive a 50% off discount when sending items abroad from the U.S with DHL Express. Click here for more information.
But I MUST have this 3rd checked suitcase! I must have a bag that is overweight! My only suitcase is over the size restrictions of my airline(s)! What will happen??
The YES and FLEX programs will cover 2 checked bags within the airline's weight and size restrictions. If you exceed that, ensure you are prepared to pay associated costs via credit or debit card at the following points:
- Domestic departure (from your host community)
- International departure from the U.S./DC
- Any domestic flight you may have once you arrive in your home country
Note to check your airline(s)' specific limits and budget accordingly.
Where do I get my e-ticket link?
American Councils will email the YES and FLEX departure itineraries and e-ticket link directly with students and AFS-USA will provide the info with host families. Please email Nadia/Akemi (YES), or Apple (FLEX) if you have not received the return flight itinerary when nearing the departure date.
I have an emergency during my travel! Who do I contact?
- For AFS Recruited YES students (Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mozambique, South Africa, Thailand, Turkiye), call 1-800-237-4636 ext. 9
- For the rest of the YES Countries, call American Councils at 855-559-3700
- For FLEX students, please call American Councils at 800-841-6460