Youth For Understanding USA (YFU)

Hosting an exchange student truly changes lives. From strangers to friends to family, the connection you build with your student can span the globe and a lifetime. 🌎 Don't just take our word for it - take a look at Grace's story about her sisterhood with Ichika. "When I became a host sibling to an exchange student from Japan back in 2017, I would have never imagined the way that an exchange experience could have changed the course of my life for the better. We welcomed Ichika into our family when I had just turned 17, and with my 25th birthday on its way this year I thought it was time that I told our story... During our time together in the United States, we experienced a lifetime of memories. From the moment she arrived home we were exploring, adventuring, and doing everything we could think of in order to make the most of her 10 months with us. You may assume that after she watched me graduate high school, helped me pack to go to college, and headed back to Japan to start on her own new adventure, that our time together was over. Though, I'm happy to say, that that couldn't be farther from the truth. I all but followed her back to Japan a month after she left to meet her family in 2018, we spent our pandemic-era birthdays on video call together, she was able to join our family vacation one again in 2023 while studying here in the United States, the list goes on and on and on. The fall of 2024 brought about an extra special memory, in which my now fiancé and I were able to visit her in Japan and I was able to ask her to be my maid of honor in our upcoming wedding. Thinking back on the fact that the girl who joined our family from halfway across the world 8 years ago will now be the woman standing at my side when I say "I do" is something I will always be amazed by. Even now, I always manage to confuse new friends by saying that I have two sisters. It's just that one of them happens to be from Japan. In every truth, I could never imagine saying that Ichika is anything less than that - my sister, my parents' daughter, and forever a member of our family. One day I hope to pay forward the life-changing gift that my parents unwittingly gave me that fateful day in 2017 by hosting a student myself, but for now I hope that a sneak peak of our story will inspire others to do so today." Create your own lifelong bond - host an exchange student! Head to our website to find your newest family member today. 💜 https://hubs.ly/Q037RkgR0 #studyabroad #hostfamily #culturalexchange #WeAreYFU #yfuusa

Exciting News! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new YFU Swag Store! 🛍️ From stylish tees to cozy hoodies, we've got everything you need to show off your YFU love. And the best part? We make no profit from this store – it's all about spreading the YFU spirit! 💖 Check out our awesome products and share your YFU pride with the world. 🌍 Don't forget to tag us in your photos – we can't wait to see you rocking your new gear! 📸 https://hubs.ly/Q035tj8L0 #yfuusa #WeLoveYFU #WeAreYFU

Exchange programs open doors to incredible opportunities! 🌟 Sherif, one of our amazing exchange students, recently had the incredible opportunity to meet U.S. Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois' 16th District! This special meeting was made possible thanks to the support of his wonderful host family, who helped coordinate the visit. Sherif shared, "He was a very humble man and I felt very comfortable talking to him. He also told me that he has been to Egypt a few times and that he liked the culture and the people as well. He had some questions about my program and how my exchange year is going so far, and we also discussed some aspects of American culture. It was such a fantastic meeting, and I genuinely enjoyed talking to him." Moments like these highlight how exchange programs create meaningful connections and foster mutual understanding between cultures. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, we build bridges that go beyond borders. We're so proud of Sherif for representing his home country and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow! 💜 #ExchangeStudent #CulturalExchange #yfuusa

Exchange programs create all sorts of exciting opportunities and memories for students and host families. But it also comes with its challenges. 💪 Two current exchange students, Edvarts and Andrejs, gave their insight into those challenges to WILX and advice on how to overcome. Take a look at their stories at the link below! 👇 https://hubs.ly/Q0325Pnt0

Join us in congratulating YFU student Alexander who was named CBYX's Participant of the Month! 🎉 This recognition is awarded to celebrate CBYX participants' achievements while on exchange. We hope Alexander's journey will inspire other students to make the most of their time abroad. ✈️ Read more about his recognition on our blog! https://hubs.ly/Q031MZqH0 #yfuusa #cbyxppp #studyabroad

Merry Christmas! 🎅 The holiday season is a time for connection, joy, and celebrating traditions from around the world. Whether you're lighting candles, decorating a tree, sharing meals, or experiencing new customs with your host family, this is a moment to cherish the beauty of cultural exchange. To all our students, host families, and supporters, thank you for making the world a closer, more united place. 💜 🎁 Drop your favorite holiday tradition or a memory in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you celebrate! #YFUUSA #HappyHolidays #WeAreYFU

Looking for a meaningful gift that will change your teen’s life forever? 🌏 Imagine giving them the opportunity to explore a new culture, learn a new language, and grow in ways they never dreamed possible. By studying abroad with YFU, your teen will: ✅ Gain independence and self-confidence ✅ Develop lifelong friendships across the globe ✅ Build a deeper understanding of the world and themselves 🎄 This holiday season, give more than a gift—give an experience that will last a lifetime. Learn more about our programs and how your teen can embark on their adventure abroad in 2025! https://hubs.ly/Q02_rv680 #studyabroad #scholarship #yfuusa

You may remember Ted, one of our most dedicated and longest-lasting host parents. His impact on the lives of his exchange students was made very clear recently. They all came together to surprise Ted on his birthday with a big celebration and dinner aboard the Moshulu, the world's oldest and largest four-masted ship. You may recognize it from the Rocky movies! This took a year and a half of planning from his former and current students (big thanks and shout out to WhatsApp!). What a beautiful way to celebrate your legacy, Ted! 💜 #hostfamilylife #exchangestudent #yfuusa

This time of year brings all sorts of wonderful holiday traditions. 🌍 Two YFU exchange students participated in the Singing Christmas Tree tradition at Mona Shores High School. 🎄 Take a look at the story the Associated Press did about this grand tradition! https://hubs.ly/Q02_r5zT0 #exchangestudent #studyabroad #yfuusa

It's Giving... Bravery! 💪 When Mohammed went on exchange in 2014, he had no idea it would change his life forever. Back then, sports weren’t even on his radar. But thanks to the encouragement of his American host family, Mohammed fell in love with baseball—a passion that eventually led him to represent Saudi Arabia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. ⚾ Mohammed’s journey, from trying out a new sport in the U.S. to becoming an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic delegation, is proof of the incredible opportunities exchange programs like YFU creates. His time in the U.S. gave him the confidence to embrace new experiences and take bold steps that transformed his future. This #GivingTuesday, you can make stories like Mohammed’s possible. Your donation to YFU helps young people discover their potential, build global connections, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Give today and spark the next life-changing journey! 💜 https://hubs.ly/Q02ZK2DF0 #GivingTuesday #itsgiving #yfuusa