The information below has not yet been updated to reflect changes to this process due to COVID-19.
Applications for 2020 Flight/Belo Chaperone Awards have now closed. The primary responsibility of an AFS-USA Travel Chaperone is the welfare of participants traveling on a Belo USA Travel bus tour to destinations in the United States or on domestic or international AFS flights. In addition, the Chaperone is an official representative of AFS-USA. The Chaperone will meet participants at the beginning of a specific bus tour or flight and will participate in the arrival orientation presented by Belo USA Travel staff.
Volunteer Chaperone Eligibility
Applicants for a 2020 Flight/Belo Chaperone Award must:
- Be 25 years old as of February 1, 2020;
- Be a registered AFS-USA Volunteer, with at least two (2) consecutive years* of active volunteer service at the local and/or national level at the time of application;
- Agree to fully comply with any and all mandatory training sessions;
- Assist students with their luggage, if needed;
- Have experience as a chaperone or group leader;
- Have organizational and problem-solving skills; and
- Be flexible and open to new experiences.
*If you are unsure of the duration of your volunteer registration, please check your volunteer service case in Global Link before applying.
Flight Chaperone Awards
Each year AFS-USA offers volunteers the opportunity to chaperone program participants on international flights to and from the United States. The primary responsibility of the Flight Chaperone is to ensure the safety and well-being of participants traveling on international and domestic flights. In addition, Flight Chaperones have the opportunity to travel abroad and to interact with participants and AFS partners while learning about a new country and culture. The complete manual of AFS Flight Chaperone responsibilities can be found here.
Belo Tours Chaperone Awards
Belo Tours is an American travel operator based in Chicago specializing in cultural, educational, and tourist trips for international exchange students. Belo USA Travel has contracted with AFS-USA and other exchange organizations for more than 15 years. Belo USA Travel has designed trips specifically for AFS-USA students that will incorporate our mission and the idea of intercultural education. Belo USA Travel has a great appreciation for the AFS-USA mission and the desire for our students to participate in activities that follow these values. All trips will be chaperoned by AFS-USA volunteers/staff and Belo USA Travel staff.
Applications for 2020 Flight/Belo Chaperone Awards are now closed.
For questions not answered here, please write to flightchaperone@afsusa.org.
Congratulations to the following volunteers who were selected as a Flight/Belo Chaperone in 2019:
Belo-USA Trips
NY/Philly/DC: Halien Besaw (Milwaukee)
West Coast: Ruth Blackwell (Georgia)
Hawaii: Douglas Hinckley (Western NY), Naomi Krodel (Gr. Illinois)
California Adventure: Mary Rogers (Massachusetts Bay)
International Trips
China: Cathy Sheehy (Las Vegas)
France: Nancy Buss (World Class), Jennifer Lasley (California Central Coast), William Nelli (Gr. Charlotte)
Germany: Christy Komenda (Western NY)
Ghana: Julia Vidani (World Class)
India: Susan Dobinsky (Greater Chicago), Jasmine Landry (EZ Pass), Kim Schwarz (Colorado Rockies), Austyn Resek (Vermont)
Indonesia: James Carriero (San Antonio), Theodore Clunie (One World), Lizzie Noumi (New Jersey), Lynn O’Brien (One World), Dana Trexler (California Central Coast)
Japan: Tina Williams (Heartland)
Kenya: Maryann Offer (World Class)
Malaysia: Beth Adamoli (Gr. Chicago), Catherine Burdick (Gr. Illinois), Trudy Lupkes (Columbia Pacific)
Russia: Debra Bryda (Northeast Ohio)
Thailand: Deborah Massafra (Western Pa), Stephanie Reinert (One World)
Turkey: Rebecca Kowalski (Northeast Ohio)