Benefits of YFU Exchange Programs

YFU is a non-profit, international, educational organization and one of the world's oldest, largest, and most-respected exchange organizations. YFU uses all of its resources to provide you the best international exchange experience available. Here is what the tuition includes:

  • professional orientation programs and materials;
  • all of your group international and domestic travel from a YFU-designated airport*;
  • local and regional trips and educational activities while you're overseas (where noted);
  • placement with a carefully screened host family;
  • support through counseling, tutoring, and other means (as needed);
  • training for volunteers who provide professional, individual support for you and your host family;
  • 24-hour worldwide professional emergency assistance;
  • enrollment in school if you choose a year or semester program;
  • assistance in acquiring your visa or residence permit if required;
  • this web site and the 1-800-TEENAGE line staffed with knowledgeable Admissions Counselors to answer all of your questions.

*Please note that YFU will designate a departure airport within 100 miles of your home. If you prefer, it may be possible to fly from a more local airport for an additional cost. Contact your Admissions Counselor if you have questions about domestic departure airports.

With You Every Step of the Way

When you choose YFU, you choose an international community of organizations that have more than fifty years of worldwide exchange experience. YFU is here to help you - guide you through the application, interview, and selection process; arrange your travel; help you determine if you need additional insurance; explain how to arrange for school credit for your time abroad; and ensure that the process runs smoothly.

Depending on your location, you will attend a pre-departure orientation before you leave so you can talk to and hear from YFU staff and volunteers, many of whom are YFU alumni. They'll have lots of empathy, experience, and knowledge about how to make your experience successful.

YFU staff and volunteers make sure that you are well-supported throughout your exchange experience. Our representatives will help on your way to your destination; welcome you warmly when you arrive; and provide you with the information, logistics, and anything else you need to get from the airport to your host family. After you settle in, most programs offer another orientation about the YFU experience in your host country.

A Lifetime of Learning

YFU offers several ways to experience and benefit from our exchange programs.

As a Student Abroad - Living, learning, and immersing yourself in another culture will broaden your perspective and give you a competitive edge in this interdependent world. With programs in more than 35 countries, YFU has tremendous opportunities for year, semester, and summer students including a GAP Year program for recent high school graduates.

As a Host Family - Families who send their children to another country often choose to host an international student. Hosting a young person from one of over 50 countries gives the whole family a way to broaden their perspectives on the world and make exchange opportunities possible.

As a Volunteer - From helping with orientations to working with young people on exchange in the US, you can help other young people and keep benefiting from your exchange experience.

As an Alumni Association Member - As a YFU alumnus you can join your local YFU alumni chapter, stay in touch with fellow YFU students, and participate in a wide range of activities.

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Monday, October 17, 2005 11:52 AM