AFS-USA advises all host family members, students, and volunteers to adhere to CDC, federal, state, and local laws, orders, and guidelines pertaining to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. We understand that rules and guidelines pertaining to sheltering in place, social distancing, and wearing personal protective equipment ("PPE") will likely vary across states and towns. We therefore advise volunteers to remain informed of these rules and guidelines, as they may evolve during the year. For the entirety of the NH21/SH22 cycle, we will defer to these rules and guidelines.
For further information on CDC guidelines, as well as state and local guidelines, please review the following resources:
- Things to Know about the COVID-19 Pandemic
- State & Territorial Health Department Websites
- Travel Planner
In addition to CDC guidance around social distancing and usage of PPE, volunteers, host families, and students may wish to take note of CDC advice to obtain seasonal flu vaccination as an added precaution. Please note that the AFS Participant Medical Plan does not provide coverage for vaccinations, so the participant and their family would be responsible for any costs associated with any immunization(s).
Individual families and students may wish to exercise greater caution than what is mandated or advised by the CDC and their state or local governments. In these cases, these expectations should be clearly communicated between the student and host family upon arrival.
Will students need to quarantine upon their arrival in the U.S.?
Students and host families are asked to consult current CDC recommendations regarding international travel to determine whether quarantine or COVID related testing is required based on the information contained therein and including but not limited to the student's vaccination status and any symptoms the student may be experiencing upon arrival. The student’s host school may require a period of quarantine or a test before the student begins in-person instruction. In addition, students and host families are asked to verify whether any state-specific testing or quarantine requirements may apply to the student using this helpful site.