9/17/2009 - A Message from AFS
The following is an official statement from AFS Intercultural Programs in response to media inquiries related to Happy Bhatt
We were deeply saddened in December 2008 when we learned that Happy Bhatt, a 16-year old exchange student from India, suffered injuries due to an accident while snowboarding.
Upon being notified of Mr. Bhatt’s accident and injuries, AFS immediately contacted his parents in India and worked with them to quickly secure U.S. visas enabling Mr. Bhatt’s family members to be with him in Oregon during his medical treatment.
When it became clear that the extent of Mr. Bhatt’s injuries would not allow him to continue as an active participant in the AFS program — a requirement in order for him to retain his J-1 student visa — AFS continued to provide assistance to the Bhatt family, helping to coordinate his transfer from the United States to India. Follow-on medical care in India was covered to the extent provided by AFS’s medical insurance policy.
We deeply regret that Mr. Bhatt suffered this accident. AFS does take affirmative steps to ensure that participants understand and consent to possible participation in sports and recreation opportunities that are not available in their home countries. AFS did so here.
We believe the allegations made in the lawsuit filed on behalf of Mr. Bhatt and his family are not supported by the facts of the situation, and that AFS acted appropriately at all times.
The safety and security of AFS Intercultural Programs participants is a top priority of AFS. We empathize with the Bhatt family, and we hope that Happy Bhatt’s medical condition continues to improve.
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