American Overseas ProgramIn today's multicultural, interconnected world, things change really fast. The only way to keep up and to compete globally is to get a global education. As a Youth For Understanding USA, Inc. (YFU) student, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and insights that will prepare you to be a world player. Every day you will learn something new - about the culture you're living in, about the language you're speaking, about people, art, music, literature, religion, trade, politics - and about yourself. If living in a new country - for a year, semester, or summer - and learning about a different culture sounds like your kind of challenge, then it's time to go global with YFU. You'll live with a carefully selected host family who has volunteered to open their home and their hearts to you - providing room, board, and a caring home. If you choose a year or semester program, you'll also attend school where you'll make friends and learn what life is like for teens in another country. No matter what you do or where you go, you'll learn - from your host family, friends, and teachers. On a YFU exchange you'll gain insight into the world and into yourself. You'll learn new ways to deal with people and to make friends. You'll enhance your chances of getting into the college of your choice and widen your scope of career opportunities. In one year, ten years, even twenty years, you'll continue to benefit from your YFU exchange. You Can Do ItYFU looks for students who are flexible, have a spirit of adventure, and who will enjoy the challenge of adapting to new people in a new culture. You must be between the ages of 15 and 19, meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 for year and semester programs and 2.0 for summer programs, and be in good health. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For most YFU countries you don't need to know the language, although some programs do require previous language study. You ChooseChoose from one of more than 35 exciting countries. Choose from a summer or winter departure. Choose from a year (10-11 months), semester (4-6 months), or summer (3-8 weeks) program. In many countries, choose your school focus between academic, arts and music, business, vocational, or technical tracks to meet your educational goals. But whatever program you choose, choose early! Many programs fill quickly. Pages on this web site illustrate the typical exchange experience. No two exchange experiences will be identical. It is up to you to make your experience successful. Your eagerness to see new places, to make new friends, to be flexible, and to adapt to the local culture are essential elements to make your experience unforgettable. To read more about YFU programs for American students, read about Benefits, Homestay Experience, and It's an Investment.... For detailed information on departure dates, application fees, deadlines, and more, visit the Program Details page. When you're ready to apply, check out How To Apply. Whichever program you choose, you will gain the true cultural experience of living with a host family and you will discover a whole new way of life. Read more about these exciting opportunities on the individual country Web pages or learn about them from your admissions counselor toll-free at 1-800-TEENAGE (1-800-833-6243). |
All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. |