U.S. Department of State regulations permit a student to share a bedroom with one non-adult person of the same sex and require that the student always have a separate bed while in the host family home. In alignment with these regulations and general youth safety practices, AFS policy requires that when traveling with one or both host parents, the student sleep in a room separate from the host parent/s. Similarly, when camping, students may not share a tent with any adult, nor person of the opposite sex.
FAQ
- Why did AFS implement this policy?
- We have implemented this policy for the safety and well-being of participants in line with youth safety protocols and to protect adults from false allegations of inappropriate behavior/misunderstandings.
- Can more than two students of the same sex be in the same cabin or sleeping space during an orientation, school, camping, or church group trip?
- Yes, the limitation to the student sharing a room with only one non-adult of the same sex applies to the bedroom in the Host Family home. In addition, Event families can accommodate more than two students of the same sex in the same room.
- When traveling, can a student share a room with adults if there are other children present in the room?
- No, the policy applies regardless of whether there are other children in the room.
- Can the adult/s sleep in a bedroom within a hotel suite, and the participant on a sofa bed or roll-away bed outside of the bedroom?
- Yes, as the adult/s would be in a separate room and, when traveling, it is permissible for the student to sleep on a convertible bed.
- Can any adult/s share a hotel room/sleeping space with a same sex or opposite sex participant?
- No, the policy applies regardless of the sex of the parent/s and participant.
- Why is word “sex” used here instead of “gender” when the latter is more inclusive?
- The Department of State regulations refer to “sex” not “gender” in the context of the hosting experience. If there are specific circumstances you would like to discuss, please contact your liaison.
- What if a host family can't afford any added expense needed to comply with this policy?
- We recognize this policy may result in fewer opportunities for AFS students to travel with their host families, as it may add a financial burden that neither the host family nor the student themselves are able to accommodate. We regret that this may be the resulting trade-off to the safety and well-being concerns that the policy is intended to address. If you will be traveling and unable to accommodate your student in compliance with this policy, please let your AFS liaison know. AFS will identify a temporary placement for your student while you are away.
- We recognize this policy may result in fewer opportunities for AFS students to travel with their host families, as it may add a financial burden that neither the host family nor the student themselves are able to accommodate. We regret that this may be the resulting trade-off to the safety and well-being concerns that the policy is intended to address. If you will be traveling and unable to accommodate your student in compliance with this policy, please let your AFS liaison know. AFS will identify a temporary placement for your student while you are away.
- Who should I contact if I have a question related to this policy that is not covered here?
- Please contact your liaison.