Frequently Asked Questions!

Please find below the answers to many questions that we foresee being asked along with questions that have been asked in the past. If you have an additional question, please email Rachel at rbutler@afsusa.org.

Orientation Details
When is the orientation taking place?

• From Tuesday, August 8 until Thursday, August 10!

Who is this orientation for? 

• Our 15th batch of YES students arriving from eleven different countries. Read up on the YES program and its history here and follow our social media accounts!
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yesprogramnews
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthExchangeAndStudy/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yes.program/

What is my role?

• There are many possible answers to this question. 
• On Content Day: You may be a Lead Facilitator (you know who you are) or an Orientation Assistant (you will find out before the orientation). 
• On Travel Day(s): You may be at the airport or the hotel. Some tasks include bus captain, luggage manager, registration manager, and logistics assistant! 
• Your tasks will be outlined on the back of your nametag, and you can find job descriptions under the webinar here or at the orientation in your Volunteer Binder.

Hotel

Where is the orientation taking place?

• The orientation is taking place at the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel which is located at 13869 Park Center Rd, Herndon, VA 20171. 

How do I get to the hotel?

• Are you flying into IAD? Yes? 
• Once you've arrived at IAD, proceed to the arrivals hall. In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for Hotel Shuttles. The hotel shuttle is specific to the Hilton Washington Dulles. Make sure that you are getting on the right Hilton bus, as there are two other Hilton's in the area (DoubleTree & Garden Inn). Make sure to clarify by looking at the side of the bus and by talking to the bus driver. Ask for the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport. 
• Are you flying into DCA? 
• If yes, please reach out to us for more detailed transport instructions from Reagan National Airport (DCA). 
• Are you taking the train into Union Station in DC? 
• The fastest way to get to the hotel is as follows:
  • Load your DC Metro Card. Your final destination is Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. There are usually charts at the station that indicate how much your trip will cost. You can also see the estimated cost here. Remember to get a receipt.
  • From Union Station board the RED Line train, direction: Shady Grove.
  • Transfer (after three stops) at Metro Center for the SILVER Line train, direction: Wiehle-Reston East. You will take this train to the last stop.
  • Get off at Wiehle-Reston East (last stop of this train) and proceed to the Washington Flyer bus to Dulles Airport. This bus is located right in front of the train station.
  • You can find information about the bus here.
  • The bus costs $5, payable in cash or with credit card. You are not able to use your DC Metro card (SmartTrip card) for this bus. Remember to keep your receipt.
  • LAST STEP!!! Once you have reached Dulles International, proceed to the ground transportation area of the arrivals terminal. Here you should follow signs to the Hotel Shuttles.
  • Board the Hilton Dulles Airport shuttle. This shuttle is free of cost and arrives every 30 minutes on the quarter hour typically.
  • There are two other Hilton’s in the Dulles area (Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden) that have shuttle at the same spot. Be sure to ride the Hilton Dulles Airport shuttle. The address of our hotel is 13869 Park Center Rd, Herndon, VA 20171.

What do I do once I've arrived at the hotel?

• When you arrive, please proceed to the Belmont area to register and pick up all orientation materials (hotel staff will be able to help you locate it). 

What is expected of me upon completing registration?

• After registering, unless you are told otherwise, you should proceed to the front desk to check into your room. You will most likely have time to freshen up and get acquainted with your roommate (if they're already at the hotel). Should you arrive on student international arrival day (August 8th), you may be asked to hit the ground running with logistical tasks! 

Travel

Is my travel covered by AFS? How do I book my travel?

• Yes! We will be sending out instructions in the coming weeks on how to book your travel with our wonderful Travel department! In the interim, please don't forget to complete the initial survey which asks for details pertaining to travel! 

What do I do if my travel is delayed?

• If your travel is delayed, not to fret! 
• If your arrival is delayed longer than one hour, please call Rachel at 646-751-2229 (please note, this phone number will not be able to receive text messages). 
• If your flight is cancelled, please do converse with airline personnel to troubleshoot and receive information about your options. Best case scenario: your flight is rebooked for the same day! If your troubles persist and you are unable to troubleshoot with airline personnel, please call Rachel at 646-751-2229 and she will connect you with relevant AFS staff. 

What should I bring to the orientation (packing instructions!!)?

• Comfy, casual and layers, layers, layers! The orientation is rather casual, and as the hotel can get quite cold we recommend bringing sweaters and long pants with some good layers! Pro tip: comfy shoes are a MUST! 

Will I be reimbursed for expenses related to the orientation? 

• NOTE: For any expenses incurred, please retain receipts. These are required for reimbursement processes. We will have reimbursement forms at the orientation. 

• YES: a meal in transit up to $15 (if your flight is longer than four hours), public transport from Union Station.
• NO: checked bags, taxis from Union Station in DC.

Thank you all for joining us! We're so excited to meet all of you superstar volunteers.