Travel FAQ - AFS-USA

How is my travel booked and when do I find out my departure date?

AFS will purchase your international plane ticket, and (good news!) the cost is already included in your program fee. You will be responsible for your own domestic travel to the “international gateway city” from which your international flight departs. Domestic travel costs are not included, as they can vary for each student.

You’ll be notified about your international travel details at least 6-8 weeks before your program begins. For 2-8 week summer programs, you may be notified of specific flight details within 4 weeks of departure. After you receive your Travel Notification, you can then arrange your domestic travel to and from your international gateway city (New York, Miami, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles). For programs four weeks or longer, you’ll need to arrive the day before your international departure date. Your travel notification will include precise details on arrival dates and times.

Note that the travel date ranges listed on the website are approximate and subject to change, so do not book your domestic travel to your international gateway city until you hear from us!

Will I travel together with other students?

You and the other students in your program will fly together to your host country. In some cases you may also have an adult chaperone, especially when there are more than thirty-five students.

Even if your group doesn’t have a chaperone, there will always be AFS staff or volunteers checking you in, helping you through airport security, and waiting for you upon arrival in your host country. You will also have emergency contact numbers in case of a flight delay or cancellation.

What should I pack?

Get started by researching your host country to learn more about the climate (especially important with those Southern Hemisphere countries that have weather opposite ours!). Also pay attention to how teens dress and any school dress code that might be required. The best advice from past AFSers is to take things that you’re comfortable wearing.

Keep in mind that clothes dryers may not be available in every household, so clothes that can be hung to dry is generally the best way to go. Bring one or two nice outfits for special occasions, and of course leave room for things you might buy while you’re abroad!

How much luggage can I take?

The AFS luggage limit is 1 checked bag at 44 lbs. This is set internationally, since some countries also require domestic travel and could have strict limits. Most international carriers allow 1 free bag at 50 lbs, but during high travel season airlines may even charge for the first bag on international flights.

Don’t be caught by surprise! When you receive your travel notification, check the airline’s website (one word) for luggage limitations. If you choose to bring more than 44 lbs and/or go over the airline’s limit, you are responsible for all additional fees. Many airlines no longer accept cash at the airport, so be sure to have a credit and/or debit card in case it’s needed.

Our recommendation? Pack a small carry-on bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and personal toiletries. In some cases, you might not have access to your checked bags during your orientation in your host country, so it’s a good idea to have those items with you.

For safety reasons, most airlines have also introduced strict carry-on baggage limits. Keep your carry-on bags limited to a backpack or something similar in size, and be sure to check your airline’s website for more specifics.

One last helpful hint: Remember you’ll have to carry your own bags through airports and onto buses or trains throughout your journey. Once your bag is packed, try carrying it upstairs or to your car. If you can’t make it, it’s time to re-pack!

What happens when I arrive in the host country?

After you arrive, you’ll collect your luggage and pass through immigration and customs. Once through, you’ll be met by AFS staff and/or volunteers.

Depending on your host country and program, you’ll take part in an arrival orientation either immediately upon landing or after a bit of time with your host family. This orientation will last anywhere between a day to a week, and will help you prepare for your upcoming adventure. You can find more details about your specific program on your dashboard, under “Your Hosts.”

How do I get to my host family’s home?

This depends on the distance between your host community and the airport or arrival orientation site. In some cases, you’ll live close enough for your host family to pick you up from the airport or after the orientation. If your family lives further away, you may travel by bus, train, or plane, possibly together with other AFSers living nearby. AFS Volunteers and/or your host family will be there again to meet you.

Can I travel to other countries while on my program?

Travel to other countries is allowed, but only in special circumstances and with advance approval. Your AFS Experience is all about immersing yourself in your host country and culture, and travel outside of the country can be a major disruption. In some cases, you may get to travel with your school group, host family, or an adult chaperone, but you’ll still need to get permission from AFS-USA, AFS in your host country, and your family back in the US. We ask that you submit your travel request to AFS a minimum of three weeks prior to traveling.

Can my family and friends visit me during the program?

Maybe! We’ve seen that visits from home can actually be counter-productive for cultural immersion and adjustment, and we want to help you have the best experience possible. For year and semester programs, we request that your family plan a visit towards the end of your program, if at all. But, if this is something your family is considering, let us know after you’ve submitted your application so we can get you more advice and details. We do not permit family visits during 2–8 week programs.