Life is really coming at all of us fast these days, isn't it? As the situation changes daily, some of you have received communication from your organization at home, recommending you return at this time.
What do you do now?
First things first, don't panic. While returning home early may be the best option for some students, it has not yet been required by the U.S. government. Talk to your family and EPC. In some cases, your host family may be experiencing financial challenges, and hosting may become more difficult or impossible. Good communication with everyone involved is very important during this time.
If it's best to return early, get into contact with your local coordinator right away. We will work with your organization at home to make sure your flight can be arranged.
Keep in mind that flights can be difficult to arrange. Don't worry if you aren't able to depart in the next week or so. Hang in there with your family while you wait. We are all working together during this time.
In some cases, you may have received communication from your organization at home, recommending certain steps and procedures to follow. Please be sure to watch out for any new information coming from those offices, and follow any specific instructions they send. We've also been in contact with all of our partners overseas and have received recommendations from a few different countries below.
France, Belgium, Italy and Germany
If you haven't already, it may be good to start talking to your bio parents and host family about returning home. As I referenced before, flights might take a little longer to organize right now, and so no need to worry if it takes a little while to arrange a flight. We will work step by step with your organization to make sure all who want or need to go home, can do so as quickly and easily as possible.
Spain
The Spanish consulates in America have recommended that Spanish citizens return home. This does not mean that you are REQUIRED to return home right now, but as with other students from Europe, it is a good time to communicate with your family and decide if it's best. We understand that a lot is riding on your school program, and so be sure to check in with your coordinator about it. If you're able to finish school from Spain, it may be more comfortable to do so from Spain.
Thailand
The government of Thailand has put several travel restrictions in place that apply to Thai citizens. If you would like to return home, please talk to your EPC and we will work with your organization to arrange the flight. We will work closely with your organization to make this possible.
Please continue to stay safe and healthy during these difficult times. Please do keep in close contact with everyone involved in your exchange year during this time, and we'll get each other through this.