Youth For Understanding

YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competences, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff. We are one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international educational exchange programs. We are a volunteer and staff-supported global non-profit community driven by the passion of people, consisting of 45+ Member Organizations across six continents. As a leader in intercultural exchange and educational programs since 1951, we have impacted more than students – and their host families, schools and networks – and engaged more than volunteers. Through the exchange experience, our students gain skills and perspectives necessary to meet the challenges of and benefit from the opportunities the fast-changing global community has to offer. For a full list of network members, visit