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, if an incident does occur that makes you uncomfortable or nervous, please tell us, even if you are not sure if there is cause for alarm.
Students should contact the emergency numbers in the country they are being hosted in, which will be provided to them upon arrival. Refer to the AFS Chain of Communication article on this page for the correct reporting structure.
AFS staff and representatives for the program will be available to help you at all times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They should be the first people you notify for concerns or emergencies.
If the host country duty officer is unavailable students should reach out to the AFS-USA Duty Officer:
1-800-237-4636 ext. 9
Emergency Preparedness Plans
AFS is ready for emergencies, if they happen. With a professional network of experienced staff and volunteers who provide support in each country, 24-hour assistance is available in the event of an emergency. An AFS Situation Response Management Team is in place at all times to monitor events throughout the world and respond as necessary. While some programs have been curtailed at times, AFS has run programs throughout the world, without interruption, since it was founded in 1947.