YFU Handbooks 2015 Family Handbook (Study Abroad) | Page 7

I. Introduction

INTRODUCTION
You've become parents of one of the more than 250,000
students to have gone on a YFU exchange. Your son or
daughter will not only experience an exciting new culture,
but s/he will also develop a new perspective of the
international community we all share.
Although a YFU learning adventure might only last a
summer, a semester or a full school year, the experience can
impact a YFU student's life forever. YFU is one of the world's
oldest, largest, and most respected intercultural exchange
programs.

ABOUT YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING
Since its inception in 1951, more than 250,000 students have
benefitted from the support and expertise of the global YFU
network. The YFU mission is carried out through the series
of a worldwide network of volunteers, host families, natural
parents and professional staff.
YFU representatives work together to advance learning
across cultures. Currently, there are more than over 50
independent national organizations worldwide. Most of
these national organizations are autonomous and legally
constituted in their own countries. Each year approximately
500 US students and more than 6,000 international
students study abroad in one of YFU's 60 countries
(including the US).

THE YFU STRUCTURE
YFU is a worldwide network of interdependent, yet
autonomous organizations committed to preparing young
people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a
changing, interdependent world.
Worldwide consistency of quality in programs and
operations is provided by a set of YFU International Basic
Standards for Secondary School Exchanges, developed by
the YFU International Advisory Council in consultation with
all YFU national organizations. All YFU national organizations
have agreed to adhere to these standards. These standards
guide each country in assuring a high level of quality, but
allow each organization to provide such quality through its
own style, approaches, and cultural context.
How we are organized. Each YFU partner country has a
National Office or committee that administers YFU programs
in that country. The National Office and any smaller offices
recruit students to go abroad, find families to host students
coming into the country, and ensure students and families
are supported during the exchange experience.
It is from within each country that student recruitment and
enrollment take place, host families are carefully selected
for the incoming students, and students and families are
supported during the exchange experience. Each YFU
national organization has paid and volunteer staff who
are highly trained to provide hands-on support for your
child. Among other things, they facilitate orientations, plan
organized trips, and schedule regular one-on-one meetings
with all students while on program.
If your child needs support while on program s/he will
contact the local Area Representative or YFU staff person
in the host country; this is very important for your child's
success on program.

Study Abroad Family Handbook - 7