While the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to study abroad experiences the world over, AFS Intercultural Programs has announced that its 2020 study abroad programs are restarting for over 500 high school students in more than 20 countries.
AFS programs will run in countries where health and safety conditions allow, and student visas are possible”
In an announcement, the international youth exchange organisation said safety and well-being of participants continue to be the “number one priority”, and that no country would be allowed to host AFS participants unless they meet the AFS Global Risk Management team’s health and safety criteria.
“AFS programs will run in countries where health and safety conditions allow, and student visas are possible,” the announcement explained.
“Our experienced staff, trained local volunteers, and dedicated host families are closely monitoring conditions for programs on a country-by-country basis, and working to ensure that every AFSer stays safe while on their program.”
AFS exchange programs are set to restart in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, and 14 states in the US.
“We expect more countries to be able to begin hosting AFS participants later in September, October and November.
“Programs are expected to return to nearly all AFS destinations in 2021,” the announcement continued.
In a further announcement, 150 teachers and close to 4,000 high school students are set to participate in the new ‘AFS Effect+ in the Classroom‘ program delivered by AFS and its national organisations in Brazil, Colombia and New Zealand.
