Study Abroad • Host A Student • Become a Local Coordinator
YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff.
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Start your hosting journey on our website, filtering students by age, gender, and interests to find your family’s best match.
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Earn a little extra cash while having a positive impact on your community!
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Check out our upcoming study abroad programs available to students 15-18. Choose from over 35 country destinations with programs ranging from 2 weeks to 10 months.
YFU and its amazing employees and volunteers provided an invaluable service and made the whole trip as smooth as can be - especially at the tail end of a global pandemic. I can't avoid the cliche: my trip to Greece did help shape my future, and I can't wait for another chance to study abroad.
A good note to end is that YFU ensures you are matched with a safe and reliable host family. And, if, on the off chance, there is an issue, they are there to help. I was very happy with my host family, and they treated me with kindness, patience, and warm hospitality. I strongly encourage anyone who desires to experience another culture through YFU’s dependable, professional program!
In winter 2022, I lived my dream as an exchange student in Germany. My high expectations were exceeded as I made many friends and formed a deep bond with my host family, whom I now consider a real family. I learned the language, culture, and experienced the warmth of the German people. If given the chance, I’d do it all over again.
My time in Uruguay gave me deep empathy, an even greater thirst to travel, and new pieces to my identity. My study abroad was far from easy for me emotionally, yet I would not hesitate to tell you to dive and study abroad with YFU because whatever you find will change you in impossible ways.
In the fall of 2021, I studied abroad in Catania, Sicily, for 4 1/2 months during the pandemic. I embraced the language, culture, and amazing people of Italy. Exchange pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me the world. Despite the hardships, I'd do it all over again because it was worth it. Exchange is life-changing and worth every moment!
Three months back in America, life feels different. I miss my host family, the high school, the dance academy, and the vibrant life in Chile. My goal was to fully immerse myself in the language and culture, and although my language skills aren't perfect, I can now understand my Abuela better. None of this would have been possible without the scholarship I received, and I'm forever grateful for the experience.
I highly encourage anyone interested in studying abroad to do so. Overall, I’d say that I came out of my exchange experience as a better person and I think anyone that studies abroad has the potential to grow.
I can assure you that any exchange program you participate in will definitely have an impact on you and will be something that you will never forget.
My host family became an extension of my natural family and I formed countless other relationships with the people I met. Sometimes it was a challenge, but by the end, I didn’t want to go home.
By supporting YFU USA, you’ll enable learning that transforms lives. Cultural exchange introduces students to the countries and cultures that they know exist, but feel distant from. They share in day-to-day life; when seen through fresh eyes, the ordinary becomes extraordinary as host families share their traditions and customs, offering each student a unique, personal version of life.
YFU has been facilitating intercultural exchanges since 1951. We see international student exchange as the best way to bridge the gap between countries and increase cultural acceptance in your community and worldwide.