AFS Denton/Lewisville Chapter

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a longtime AFS volunteer and friend, Sally Kinkade. Sally was an integral part of the Denton/Lewisville Chapter since its inception in 2004 and was involved with AFS for over 40 years. A returnee from England in the 1970s, she co-founded the chapter and served in every role possible over the years. Her tireless efforts have helped numerous students, host families, and volunteers. She was a big personality with an infectious laugh and a shoulder to cry on. Rest well, friend. You are loved.

With COVID still running around, we won't be able to have a normal hosting season, but AFS is still here! Check out our virtual programs or plan for a future trip.

Daydreaming about future travel? Visit the AFS-USA Explore page (afsusa.org/explore) to discover ways to learn about countries and cultures virtually, resources for future travel experiences, and more!

Plus, don’t forget to enroll in the next session of AFS Global You, a virtual intercultural learning opportunity, at afs.org/adventurer, or share with an eligible student you know.

We carry on!

We’re still here!

AFS Now: Resuming Limited Study Abroad Programming for 2020 May 2020 Issue of AFS Now: Insights for Active Global Citizens

COVID-19 causes international exchanges to end early, but global learning grows stronger virtually | AFS Intercultural Programs AFS helps over 4,000 high school students in 46 countries whose study abroad programs were abruptly cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic continue building global competence using a new online education platform

"Corona did not ruin my exchange year. I had (and will forever have) the best American friends, family, and teachers! Truly.” by Monya, an AFS and YES Program Alum from South Africa.
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As of today, over 80% of AFS exchange students worldwide have returned home. Thank you to everyone who has followed WHO precautions while traveling—keeping hands clean, avoiding touching your face, wearing masks, and staying 6 feet apart from others whenever possible are essential steps we should all take. While there is a shortage of masks in the U.S. currently, AFS-USA is reminding and enabling students to abide by these and other trusted recommendations when they can.

Returning home from an exchange program often comes with some challenges, like reverse culture shock and missing host communities. We know that the distress caused by this pandemic and the abrupt end to our 2020 programs has made that readjustment more difficult for many.

That’s why we’re adapting our existing Pre-Return Orientations for hosted students and Re-Entry Orientations for students returning to the U.S. These orientations will continue to encourage and guide students to reflect on and grow from their intercultural journeys, before and after they return home, but they will now be facilitated online by local volunteers and national staff. And, we are adding wellness tips and dedicated time and virtual space to process stress and disappointment, as well as new ways to connect virtually with AFSers.

For Host Families whose students have already departed, we also developed similar resources. This includes a webinar with guided reflection activities and a short interview with our Mental Health Consultant, in which we discuss ways to help host families process the sudden departure of their students and cope with continued uncertainty. We are also continuing to offer support to host families whose students have not yet departed.

Stay with us as new updates on digital resources and virtual opportunities are coming soon. More info can be found at www.afsusa.org/covid-19

A commitment to service in times of crisis | AFS Intercultural Programs by Daniel Obst, President & CEO, AFS Intercultural Programs   We’re living through some of the biggest challenges of our…

We're devastated to say that all of our semester and year program students will be returning home in the next few days. AFS International made the heartbreaking decision that students should be returned to their natural families. While we are shattered that they are leaving so soon and in such uncertain circumstances, we are thankful we had the time we did! AFS programs will go ahead for the 2020-21 school year, so please consider hosting with us! Thanks to all our students, volunteers, and host families for all the support and good times we've had. Until we meet again!

No one is immune from the changes caused by Covid-19...even AFS.

Update on the AFS Response to COVID-19 | AFS Intercultural Programs AFS Intercultural Programs is closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures and actions by global health experts…

Volunteer to create change | AFS Intercultural Programs Develop practical cross-cultural skills and find your place as a global citizen, leader and changemaker in your community.

There’s only 2 weeks left to earn a full scholarship to find new stories abroad this summer... 📸

Apply for the Visual Storyteller Scholarship in Argentina, Colombia, Hungary, or Kenya by 3/23!

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