Go Abroad
Make the world your home - Become a YFU exchange student
A YFU exchange isn’t just about studying abroad - it’s about opening your heart to another culture and seeing the world through a new lens. From everyday routines like meals and commuting to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, you’ll experience life in a whole new way. YFU will be there to support you every step along your journey – like we have done in the past three quarters of a century for hundreds of thousands of exchange students before you.
Students often begin their exchange seeking adventure, academic opportunities, or cultural immersion. What they discover is something far greater: a chance to grow into more independent, confident, and self-aware individuals. As you learn about your host culture, you also gain valuable insight into yourself. This personal growth is one of the most powerful outcomes of the YFU experience.
And it doesn’t end there - by becoming a YFU exchange student, you join a lifelong global community of curious, compassionate, and courageous individuals.
WITH YFU YOU WILL:
- Live in a new place, learn a new language, and uncover new strengths within yourself.
- Embrace the unexpected and explore life beyond your comfort zone.
- Develop independence, self-reliance, and resourcefulness without your usual support systems.
- Strengthen decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Build adaptability, resilience, and confidence to navigate whatever comes your way.
YFU is for students who are curious, open-minded, and ready to discover that there is more than one way to live a life. Check out the website of YFU in your country to learn more about specific destinations and program details.
What Makes YFU Programs Unique and Impactful?
- Educational Depth: Our programs are designed with clear educational goals and a joint learning outcome framework throughout the entire program duration, making learning intentional and measurable.
- Holistic Support: We see challenges on exchange as an opportunity for personal growth and will provide support every step along the way through our trained volunteers and staff. Networkwide guidelines thereby educate our approach to on-program support.
- Commitment to High Quality: Safety and wellbeing are at the core of everything we do, backed by shared and binding standards that are monitored and enforced globally.
- Global Network: With more than 45 countries and thousands of volunteers, YFU ensures support and intercultural connection worldwide. Our exchange programs are not bilateral but create bonds across the globe that last long beyond the exchange and allow our participants to become part of a global community.
- Sustainability and Inclusion: Our programs embrace diversity, democratic values, and environmental responsibility, aligned with the UN SDGS and supported through scholarships.
The YFU Program Journey
- Recruitment and Selection:
We carefully select participants based not only on academic ability, but on their motivation, openness, and readiness to integrate. We also work closely with participants’ natural families to ensure realistic expectations and shared commitment to the program - Preparation and Orientation:
Before going abroad, students and families take part in pre-departure orientations. These introduce the challenges and opportunities of exchange, provide tools for intercultural learning, and set the stage for reflection. - Host Family and School Integration:
Living with a volunteer host family is at the heart of YFU programs. Students join local schools and communities, experiencing everyday life and learning to adapt, communicate, and contribute. Host families and schools are carefully selected and supported to ensure safety and mutual benefit. - Ongoing Support and Counseling:
Each participant and their host family have a local YFU contact person and access to professional support throughout the program. We prioritize safety, wellbeing, and educational impact, making sure students and host families are never alone in the process.
5. Orientation Programs During Exchange
Throughout the stay, participants attend a series of orientations created based on our Learning Outcomes for Orientation Programs (LOOP) framework. These spaces for reflection and non-formal peer learning ensure that challenges are transformed into meaningful growth.
Program participants on exchange in Europe have the opportunity to take part in YFU’s Youth Empowerment Seminar at the end of their exchange year. This is the biggest international YFU event, bringing together students from 40+ countries. With an annually changing theme, the event aims to empower the students to take action on matters important to them and to put into use the skills they have acquired on exchange.
6. Re-entry and Lifelong Learning
Returning home is not the end of the journey, but the start of applying what has been learned. YFU helps participants process their experience, stay engaged as alumni or volunteers, and continue their journey as active citizens of one world, becoming a part of a truly global YFU community for life.
How do I apply?
Find your National YFU Organization and visit their website to learn more about the process and requirements.
If your country is not in the list, we unfortunately don’t offer a YFU program there. We recommend that you check with the embassy of your desired destination and see if they have program recommendations.
What is the program duration?
Most YFU programs are between a semester and an academic year, some shorter programs exist.
What is the age limit?
For most of our programs you should be between 15-18 years old.
What is the language requirement?
Most host countries only require that the student can speak some English, even if basic skills of the local language are an advantage.
Is there any financial aid available?
Over 70% of YFU member organizations offer partly or fully funded scholarships. To find out more about opportunities available to you, please contact YFU in your country.
