The mission

Youth For Understanding (YFU) is an international, non-profit organization for educational exchange of young people among 60 countries world wide.

The mission of Youth For Understanding is to promote respect for cultural diversity, friendship among nations and opportunities for personal development through international home stay exchange programs.

The exchange experience has long been recognized as extremely beneficial for the participants' maturity, self-confidence, communication skills, awareness of their own potential and capacity to grasp opportunities. Further, YFU believes that its programs provide the students with the tools needed to understand the complexity of our global environment. Its educational mission aims at creating, through a deep intercultural experience, a youth oriented to the values of operation, solidarity, tolerance, and moved by a spirit always open to new challenges.

A youth exchange organisation

Youth For Understanding (YFU) International Exchange was established in 1951 by Dr. Rachel Andresen. At present a yearly average of 4,000 students between 15 and 18 years of age participate in the one-year exchange program, and 1,400 students participate in the summer programs. Further, a growing number of young people between 18 and 21 years of age join the American College Program to the USA.

An educational organisation

YFU believes that the exchange experience is an educational event which helps the participant mature in the understanding of other cultures. Before, during and after the exchange experience all participants attend orientation meetings which focus on their personal situation as an exchange student. During their stay abroad, the local YFU organization provides constant support and counselling. Students returning to their home country after an exchange (returnees) are also stimulated to reflect on their experience through specific re-entry orientations.

A volunteer organization

YFU is a volunteer organization. Volunteers assist in screening and recruiting the students’ host families, act as liaisons with schools, organize orientation programs, support students during their exchange experience, train other YFU volunteers, etc. Volunteers are offered opportunities to give voluntary service in YFU offices in other countries. They can also participate in YFU training activities (national and international).