England & Wales

The time you spend as a member of an English or Welsh family will enrich your life far into the future. Take a dive into this varied culture and fascinating history and linger amid historic and breathtaking natural sights.

The UK brings with it a history brimming with romance, intrigue, and fascinating characters, from Henry VIII to King George III to the mythical King Arthur and Camelot. With this history have come outstanding works of art, philosophy, religion, and literature. If you have a curious and active mind, you will benefit greatly from your experience in this ancient kingdom.

Though the British reputation for reserve is well known, you will also find British people to be, in the words of one travel writer, "uninhibited, tolerant, exhibitionistic, passionate, aggressive, obsessive, humorous, sentimental, hospitable, and friendly." Families enjoy excursions taken together, often for school or youth work projects, eating out, and traveling.

Academic Programs

Your new friends at school tend to have an academic experience not unlike your own. They begin school at age five and must attend until they are sixteen. Most children attend state schools. Depending on the school, you may wear a uniform which is fairly simple - dark pants or skirt, white shirt, blazer, and a tie.

You will attend classes in the Lower Sixth Year with students who are around 16 and 17 years old.  In discussion with your school, you will be able to choose 3 to 5 subjects to study from a wide range of course offerings.  Because British students all must pass exams to secure a place at university or college, they take challenging exam courses taught in 'modules' in the last two years of high school. Program tuition does not include transportation to and from school (which will cost a maximum of £5.50 per week).

A semester (1 term) program is offered on a limited basis.  Please contact an Admissions Counselor toll free at 1-800-TEENAGE to learn more about this program.   

Students must be between 16 and 18 years of age at the time of their departure for all programs in the UK.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about the United Kingdom, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Britain in Washington, DC web site

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008