These last days and weeks have been incredibly difficult for us all, and YFU is devastated to share the latest update regarding our current year program. As COVID-19 continues to spread and international travel becomes more and more challenging by the day, we are acting now to safeguard the well-being of our students and prevent a situation where a significant number of students are unable to return to their home countries.
Today, the YFU Global Office reached the very difficult decision that all current YFU programs worldwide are no longer feasible. We deeply regret this, but believe it is imperative that the decision is made now. As our YES and FLEX grant students are under different program standards, controlled by the US Department of State, this decision does not apply to these students, and YFU USA will continue to support them.
For all other YFU on-program students worldwide, this means that their 2019-20 YFU program will end in the days to come. We will work together with our partner countries to organize and ensure our students’ safe return travel. We are aware that certain countries have restricted entry and that airlines have limited flights. In all cases, we YFU will assess whether departing students will be able to surely and safely arrive in their home country. While we will make every attempt to organize the safe return of each student, we might not be able to achieve this right away.
We continue to prepare for the future and for our 2020 summer and fall programs. YFU is dedicated to our mission of intercultural learning and exchange. We are so thankful for your involvement and support to our community.