This year marks a significant milestone in the history of YFU. Join us as we celebrate 60 years of preparing young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world. 

The world has changed a great deal since our post-World War II beginnings in 1951, and over the years YFU has been an increasingly strong voice for greater international understanding by way of intercultural learning opportunities, which we have largely pioneered in theory and practice. Over the past six decades, YFU has grown to exchange thousands of students annually among more than 60 nations in the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The YFU brand is now synonymous with global education, excellent program support, and life-changing experiences. 

A true testament to the strength of the organization, this year YFU will welcome its 250,000th student on program. Will this be a summer, semester or year student? Will he be from North or South America? Will she be from Europe, Africa or Asia? Could it be… you?

Join YFU USA as we continue to provide unique and unrivaled programs abroad for American students as well as welcome and support approximately 2,000 international students annually here in the United States alone. Sign up as a volunteer host family, become a volunteer area representative, or travel abroad on our programs. We look forward to seeing you soon – around the world and in your community. 
  
Sincerely,
                           
                           
Ulrich Zahlten                                         Michael Finnell
Chairman, Board of Trustees              President and CEO

The following proclamations were issued by state governors in recognition of YFU’s 60th anniversary:

AlabamaMarylandNew Mexico

ArizonaMassachusettsOhio

Colorado
MichiganOregon

Conneticut MinnesotaPennsylvania

IllinoisMissouriRhode Island

Indiana
MontanaTexas

Iowa
NebraskaWisconsin

FloridaNevadaVirginia

New HampshireVermont

West Virginia