Volunteer Registration Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This page details some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and their corresponding responses.

AFS-USA Intercultural Programs/USA

How Do I Register?

Log onto http://www.afsusa.org/volunteer-with-afs/
Complete and submit the application which includes the application form, confidential form, volunteer agreement form, and reference form. The cover is optional.
Include emails addresses on the registration form for your references. An automated email will be forwarded to your references.
- This process is the most timely and cost saving to the organization.
- Please inform your references you are listing them as references and to watch for the email from AFS-USA.
Follow the directions sent to your personal email address that will direct you to the secured encrypted site where you will begin your criminal background check.
- This will happen only after your application has been reviewed and accepted by AFS
Respond to a request to schedule an interview by local volunteers for the required in-person or phone interview as soon as possible.
Emails will be sent to you, your Team Chair and Volunteer Coordinator informing them of your completed registration.
Upon completion of your registration you will receive an User ID and password that allows you access to Global Link
Registration questions can be directed to 1.800.AFSINFO ext 3 or vol.reg@afs.org

Why register?

To ensure the continuation of our quality programs
To demonstrate the commitment of AFS-USA to protecting our participants, volunteers and the organization.
To comply with the requirements of AFS-USA’s liability coverage that all volunteers be registered
To comply with the requirements of CSIET (Council on Standards International Educational Travel) and the Department of State regulations that require all volunteers of intercultural exchange programs to be registered and undergo a criminal background check.
To provide individuals with a clearer sense of expectations, responsibilities and rewards that comes to an AFS-USA volunteer.

What forms do I need to complete for the process? The following forms are part of the online application:

Application Form
Confidential Form
AFS-USA Volunteer Agreement (e-signature required)
Reference form-you are required to list three and two personal (non-family )references are required to move forward in the process
Agree and complete a criminal background check

Who is required to register?

In-person or phone interview with a local volunteer
Any individual who is in a position to have a substantial, potential impact, either positively or negatively, on program participants.
Any individual acting as an agent of the organization, for example; an interviewer for potential program participant or host families.
Any individual over the age of 14.
Therefore, anyone volunteering for AFS-USA must be registered.

How long does it take to register?

Typically, if the online procedure is used, the entire process should take no more than 2 weeks to complete.

What if I don’t register?

People who are not registered cannot volunteer with AFS-USA.
Will people have to go through registration every year?*
Beginning in 2008, all individuals will be required to re-register on a yearly basis.
This re-registration process will include the updating of personal contact information, the background check and signing of the volunteer agreement.
All other forms will not have to be resubmitted.

Will people who are host families and had a background check have to do another background check if they want to register as a volunteer?

Yes, the timeline that background checks are valid is different for volunteers and host families.

Will people who are presently or have been host families and have references for that status have to get more references?

Yes, references must be entered in the reference form of the volunteer application. We cannot transfer references. However, host families can list the same reference contact info in the volunteer reference form.