Can I travel before the start of my program?
You generally should not plan any excursions outside of the United States 2 months prior to your program. If you travel before the start of your program, you will run the risk of not being able to depart for your program on time.
Will I travel together with other students?
AFS-USA summer program participants travel as a group to and from their host country. In many cases, the groups will also have an adult chaperone.
Students on semester and year programs may travel with other students on the same program depending on airline availability, flight schedules, and other factors.
Even if your group doesn’t have a chaperone, there will always be AFS staff or volunteers providing in-person on on-call support before departure and waiting for you upon arrival in your host country. You will also have the AFS emergency contact numbers in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
How is my travel booked and when do I find out my departure date?
AFS-USA will purchase your international plane ticket, and (good news!) the cost is already included in your program fee. You will be responsible for your own domestic travel to the “international gateway city” from which your international flight departs. Domestic travel costs are not included as they can vary for each student.
For semester and year program participants, you will be notified of your international travel details about 6-8 weeks before your program begins. For summer program participants, you may be notified of your travel details up to 4 weeks before departure. This information will come in the form of a Travel Notification email and will also be accessible on your Dashboard. After you receive your Travel Notification, you can then arrange your domestic travel to your international departure city.
Please note that the travel date range listed on the website are approximate and subject to change, so do not book your domestic travel until you hear from us!
How much luggage should I take?
The AFS luggage guideline is 1 checked bag at 44 lbs. This is set internationally since some countries also require domestic travel and could have strict limits. Most international carriers allow 1 free bag at 50 lbs, but during high travel season airlines may even charge for the first bag on international flights.
Many airlines have also introduced strict carry-on baggage limits. Keep your carry-on bags limited to a backpack or something similar in size and be sure to check your airline’s website for more specifics.
Don’t be caught by surprise! When you receive your Travel Notification, check the airline’s website for their luggage policies. If you bring more than the airline’s limit, you will be responsible for all additional fees. It’s important to note that many airlines no longer accept cash, so be sure to have a credit and/or debit card with you when you check in.
One last helpful note: Remember you’ll have to carry your own bags through airports and onto buses or trains throughout your journey. Once your bag is packed, try carrying it upstairs or to your car. If you can’t make it, it’s time to re-pack!
What should I pack?
Get started by researching your host country to learn more about the climate (especially important with those Southern Hemisphere countries that have weather opposite ours!). Also pay attention to how teens dress and any school dress code that might be required. The best advice from past AFSers is to take things that you're comfortable wearing.
Keep in mind that clothes dryers may not be available in every household, so clothes that can be hung to dry is generally the best way to go. Bring one or two nice outfits for special occasions, and of course leave room for things you might buy while you’re abroad. Read this article on planning your packing
What happens when I arrive in the host country?
After you arrive, you’ll collect your luggage and pass through Immigration and Customs. Once through, you’ll be met by AFS staff and/or volunteers.
Depending on your host country and program, you’ll take part in an arrival orientation either immediately upon arrival or after a bit of time with your host family. This orientation will last anywhere between a day to a week and will help you prepare for your upcoming adventure. To see what is planned for your arrival orientation, review you’re the Welcome Booklet for your host country. This can be found within the Country Resources section.
How do I get to my host family's home?
This depends on the distance between your host community and the airport or arrival orientation site. In some cases, you’ll live close enough for your host family to pick you up. If your family lives further away, you may travel by bus, train, or plane, possibly together with other AFSers living nearby. AFS volunteers and/or your host family will meet you upon arrival in your host community. Your domestic travel from the airport or arrival orientation site will be arranged by AFS staff in your host country.
Can I travel to other countries while on program?
Travel to other countries is allowed, but only in special circumstances and with prior approval. Your AFS experience is all about immersing yourself in your host country and culture, and travel outside of the country can be a major disruption. In some cases, you may get to travel with your school group, host family, or an adult chaperone, but you’ll still need to get permission from AFS-USA, AFS in your host country, and your family back in the US. We ask that you submit your travel request to AFS a minimum of three weeks prior to traveling.
Please review the Travel Rules & Policies article for more information.
Can my family and friends visit me during the program?
Maybe! We’ve seen that visits from home can actually be counter-productive for cultural immersion and adjustment, and we want to help you have the best experience possible. For year and semester programs, we request that your family plan a visit towards the end of your program, if at all. But if this is something your family is considering, let us know after you’ve submitted your application so we can get you more advice and details. We do not permit family visits during 2–8 week programs.
Can I come back to the U.S for holidays?
No, AFS doesn’t allow travel back and forth, even for special holidays or events. Spending time with your host family during the holidays and participating in family events will give you a unique perspective on the values and traditions of your host country, and new stories to share when you’re home. We’d hate for you to miss out on that!
Can I change my travel back to the US at the end of the program?
In some cases, students need to return to the US before their program end date. In others, students wish to remain in the host country longer so that they can travel with family. About 2-3 months prior to your return to the US, AFS will send you a Return Travel Notification email containing a document outlining our policies and procedures to change your travel. We will work with AFS staff in the host country to determine if this is possible and then work with you to change your travel. Please note that some host countries cannot allow students to remain in-country past the program end date due to visa/resident permit restrictions.
If you choose to change your AFS-purchased ticket, you will be responsible for any fare upsell and change fees charged by the airline. If you choose to forfeit your AFS-purchased ticket and buy a new one, please note that you will not receive a refund or credit for the unused portion of your ticket. As per your Participation Agreement, you will also be responsible for a $300 administrative fee which covers the communications between AFS-USA and your host country to alter the return travel logistics. The fee is required regardless of whether a family decides to change the student’s existing ticket or purchase a new one.