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 yourself to two checked bags.Additionally, AFS students can take advantage of our partnership with DHL to ship packages internationally with a discount. Check this article out for more info.
What is the $100 travel allowance that was added to my last stipend check? What is this extra money for?
The YES and FLEX Programs provide a $100 travel allowance to cover return baggage cost for your flight from your host community to DC. This stipend can be used for checking in your two suitcases or purchasing snacks and drinks at the airport.
Please inform your host family about this stipend for your travel expenses. Note that most airports may not accept cash payments, so you may need to ask a trusted adult to pay using their credit card in exchange for your cash. Host families are not responsible for paying for your luggage.
After your participation at the End-Of-Stay Orientation in DC, YES or FLEX program staff will pay for your two allowable checked suitcase(s) at the airport for your international flight from DC. As a reminder, any additional or overweight charges will be the financial responsibility of the student.
Note: Students who are not taking a flight to the End-of-Stay Orientation will not receive this $100 travel allowance.
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