Program Extensions- Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost?
AFS-USA charges the partner country an additional amount to extend a student’s program. It varies by country, but all are less than $500.
2. What happens with the student’s visa?
When a program extension is finalized, HOps notify Rory Vibar, and she initiates a change of dates on the student’s DS 2019 form. Those dates determine whether a student is in the country legally. The student should not have to do anything to change their visa.
3. Does the host family need to agree to host for the full year?
Not necessarily. If the family can’t or won’t continue to host, we do need confirmation from the RFS/local vols that the team will find the student a new second semester family.
4. Is there a deadline for a student to decide to extend her/his program?
Yes, no later than November 3rd for the final decision from all parties. For the Paperwork deadline December 8th. This gives travel time to change the student’s flight information.
5. Are there consent forms needed?
There are no official consent forms or anything needing signatures, but we do need to have an understanding that the student, host family, liaison, school, support, and natural parents all agree to the extension.
6. A host family or volunteer has questions about a program extension for a hosted student- who can they ask?
The RFS are the first point, but questions should be sent to programextension@afsusa.org.
7. A Partner or RFS has questions about a program extension for a hosted student- who can they ask?
HOps! Specifically, Amy Kiana Rendon-Patel at the programextension@afsusa.org inbox. This is for students hosted in all regions.