Share in our hope for the future

Through the power of international high school youth exchange, Youth For Understanding (YFU) provides students the opportunity to learn about other cultures, increase their understanding of the world, and in the process, change lives and promote world peace. For nearly 70 years and with more than 270,000 students worldwide supported by host families, volunteers, schools, and communities, millions of YFU participants have shared a vision for generations of empowered global citizens for a more peaceful and sustainable world. A world that is 1) united by the belief that cultural immersion is the most effective way to gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, interconnected and competitive global society, and 2) free of harmful stereotypes and where violent acts of hate no longer exist.