Applications for Flight/Belo Chaperone Awards are now OPEN for the 2023 trips.
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 Flight/Belo Chaperone Award must:
- Being 25 years old as of February 1, 2023.
- Being a registered AFS-USA Volunteer, with at least two (2) consecutive years actively volunteering at the time of application. Volunteers are involved with a local Chapter/Team and/or at a national level which may include orientations, working with students, liaisons, team/national leadership roles, advisory groups, and/or committees.
- Applicants' compliance with AFS-USA standards, policies, and procedures and Department of State regulations, as applicable, will be considered in the selection process.
- Agreement to fully comply with all mandatory training sessions.
- Ability to assist students with their luggage, if needed.
- Preferred experience as a chaperone or group leader.
- Having organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Being flexible and open to new experiences.
*If you are unsure of the duration of your volunteer registration, please check your To Do tab in MyAFS before applying.
Flight Chaperone Awards
Open now until January 15, 2023
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.
New Opportunity for Chaperones
Enhance your chaperone experience by visiting past participants, AFS volunteers or Staff while in country.
Peter J Westort Volunteer Leadership Award
Belo USA Chaperone Awards
Open now until January 15, 2023
Belo USA is an American travel operator based in Chicago specializing in cultural, educational, and tourist trips for international exchange students. Belo USA has contracted with AFS-USA and other exchange organizations for more than 15 years. Belo USA has designed trips specifically for AFS-USA students that will incorporate our mission and the idea of intercultural education. Belo USA 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 staff.
Applications for Flight/Belo Chaperone Awards are now open.
For questions not answered here, please write to usavrc@afs.org or usaflightchap@afs.org.
Congratulations to the following volunteers who were selected as a Flight/Belo Chaperone in 2022:
Belo-USA Trips
NY/Philly/DC: N/A
West Coast: N/A
Hawaii: N/A
California Adventure: N/A
International Trips
Ghana: Mary Ann Offer
Egypt: Allison Au
Mozambique: Naomi Krodel
Kenya: Nancy Henderson
Thailand: Debra Bryda
Malaysia: Rio Orticio
Philippines: Jason Blackard
Malaysia: Donna Crumley
Indonesia: Diane Dunn, Jodi Axinn
Turkey: Laura Raymond, Christina McGarvey