Youth for Understanding is a non-profit educational exchange organization with national organizations in more than 50+ countries. We want to explore and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.
The organization humbly started in the United States in 1951 in an effort to heal the wounds of World War II. From the start, we have been united by the belief that full cultural immersion is an effective means to gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, competitive global society.
We focus on creating an inspiring network for our exchange students to communicate. We also wish to keep the students involved after their exchange through volunteer work.
For you over 18, we offer four different destinations of exchange. They portray a vast variety of cultures, ready for you to explore, gain knowledge about and experience first-hand. Apply now!
Country with 4 climate zones and 6435 km long coastline enables you to see everything from penguins to beach and ski resorts. According to OECD, the school system in Chile is one of the best in Latin America.
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Experience the world’s most populous nation as a scholarship student at a Chinese university. Join the class, learn more about the world and yourself!
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Community college in the United States is a year when you choose your subjects and compile your academic benefits while living with a genuine American host family.
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Like many other Latin American countries, Paraguay is rich in its amazing culture and nature experiences. As a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity or orphanage Casa Cuna, you will get the opportunity for hands-on experience with another world.
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Questions asked before applying, after applying and while on exchange.
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Take a look how much it costs to go on an exchange with YFU Currently we are offering following exchange programmes. You are always welcome to send us an email to find out more about possibilities for exchange programmes in other countries than those that are listed below - or to learn more about the content of different programmes.
Read moreHaven’t you saved up enough of money? Continue reading!
If you haven’t saved up all what it costs to go on an exchange programme, we have a solution for you. In cooperation with Totalbanken we can offer you a cheap loan for full or partial financing of your exchange stay. The offer applies to all individuals and families where a child is or wishes to become an exchange student with YFU. The loan is granted in accordance with Total Bank's general credit rating.
Below you can see examples of the monthly payment if you lend the full amount for payment of your exchange in three different destinations with a 24-month maturity.
USA Loan amount *: 88,900 kr. Payment: 4.018,87 kr / md ARGENTINA (and the rest of Latin America)
Loan amount *: 64,900 kr. Payment: 2,952.77. / Md CZECH REPUBLIC (and the rest of Eastern Europe)
Loan amount *: 41,900 kr. Payment: 1,945,15 DKK / md YOUR ADVANTAGES
There is no security required The maturity is up to 2 years Settled on a monthly basis Very low interest rate of 4.9
In YFU, we can always use and highly value the help of all our motivated and passionate volunteers. Whether it's yoga, IT, human relations or something completely different, the most important thing is your interest and your drive to do something with other YFUs. We want you to be part of our team as well and have a place for you to connect with our diverse service opportunities.
If you enjoy working with people, you could work at an orientation or even interview prospective students and host families. If you like planning and organizing, you could work in an administrative department or help implement policy guidelines. Whatever your interests, we have a place for you to connect. Together they are our 12,000 volunteers around the globe that believes in YFU’s mission and want to help to make the world a better place.
It's a great to be allowed to experience another mini-exchange year while working in another country
To be a part of it brings out the best in all of us
