AFS-USA has been implementing programs of the U.S. Department of State dating back to the first such program, Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, in 1983. Today, AFS-USA sends American participants on three programs of the U.S. Department of State:
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)
- Kennedy- Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)
- National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Each of these programs has a unique design and focus, and each comes with its own specific program
rules, expectations, timelines, and guidelines. This handbook summarizes AFS-USA as a program
implementer, and many of the rules, expectations, timelines, and guidelines for AFS-implemented
participants. All programs of the U.S. Department of State have additional program-specific rules and
guidelines that are unique from those outlined in this document.
If you are participating in an AFS implemented CBYX, YES Abroad, or NSLI-Y program, your program and behavior is additionally guided by your respective program’s rules and guidelines.
Your program-specific rules and guidelines are communicated pre-departure, including in your program’s
Terms and Conditions document, within scholarship selection notifications, during pre-departure
webinars and pre-departure/on-program orientations, etc. Sections of this document that outline AFS
policies where additional scholarship policies may apply include (and are not limited to) Rules, Policies &
Standards; Prohibited Activities and Activity Waivers; Early Return; Participation Agreement; Alcohol
Policy; Academic Policy; High-Risk Activities; Activity Waivers; Travel Rules and Policies.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the specific rules, expectations, timelines, and
guidelines of both AFS and your CBYX, YES Abroad, or NSLI-Y program.
The primary contact in the U.S. for all inquiries for CBYX, YES Abroad, and NSLI-Y participants is listed following, and you should reach your these AFS-USA program staff if you have any questions or concerns about your program requirements and details.
• CBXY Program Inquiries: cbyx@afsusa.org or 646-751-2161
• YES Abroad Program Inquiries: yesabroad@afsusa.org or 646-751-2151
• NSLI-Y Program Inquiries: nsliforyouth@afsusa.org or 646-751-2238