Youth For Understanding, USA

YFU volunteers have varied backgrounds, occupations and ages. They’re professionals, parents, retired or recent college grads. Some of our volunteers were even exchange students or host families.

YFU volunteers:

• Desire to learn more about the world
• Enjoy helping teenagers and families
• Value making friends with like-minded people
• Demonstrate leadership in problem-solving situations
• Appreciate increased intercultural understanding

YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff.

Some things you’re born with. Other things—your confidence, your individuality and perspective—you will discover. Since 1951, YFU has helped students all over the globe find themselves, expand their world and discover intercultural opportunities through studying abroad. 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 270,000 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.