Youth for Understanding

The volunteer spirit is embodied by the individuals and families who devote their energy, experience, and empathy to every YFU student. At YFU, our host families, educational communities, and volunteers help young people become wiser people – safely, securely, confidently.  Unlike other exchange programs, we are a volunteer program, which means we do this simply because we love it.

YFU is a strong and vibrant organization because of the collective efforts of a broad and diverse volunteer base. Our volunteers enable us to host more than 2,000 international students and send nearly 500 American students abroad each year.

A non-profit international educational organization with partners in more than 60 different countries, Youth For Understanding is one of the world’s oldest, largest and most respected intercultural exchange programs. More than 250,000 students and their host families have benefited from the support and expertise of YFU. The YFU global network is united by the belief that full cultural immersion is the most effective means to gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, interconnected and competitive global society.

YFU advances intercultural understanding, mutual respect and social responsibility through educational exchanges for youth, families and communities.