Youth For Understanding USA (YFU), a nonprofit educational organization, seeks volunteers and host families to mentor and host high school exchange students coming to the community. Host families of all shapes and sizes welcome YFU students into their home as if they are one of their own children. YFU exchange students bring spending money and have health insurance.  They come prepared to follow family rules and want to become a part of the community.  Students and host family are supported by local YFU representatives who form a nationwide network of more than 1500 volunteers. These trained volunteers work to ensure that everyone has an incredible experience during the program year. 

Youth for Understanding, wants to share a glimpse into the experience of a local host family with the community.

Katie, host mom, writes, “We’ve had them jump right into calling us “mom” and “dad.”  Yeah it seems a little silly at first, but this is the role we will fill.  We will be the ones to make the rules, enforce the rules, share our culture, correct their English, make them chicken soup if they become ill, and give out hugs when their hearts are hurting. Family.  That’s what it’s really all about.  Yes, we are a family with a husband and a wife and two adorable puppies.  Yet, in a crazy non-traditional way we are also a family with an American mom and American dad, two puppies (or puppy brothers) and two amazing exchange daughters… one who has just left us and one who will soon arrive but both who have a place in our hearts (and homes) forever…”

Across the world, hundreds of students are waiting to hear from host parents like Katie; waiting to hear about their new home, new school, and their new beginning in the United States.

Families around the world trust Youth For Understanding because of its reputation for quality, high safety standards, and strong support network.  As one of the world’s oldest and largest exchange organizations, YFU has provided study abroad opportunities to over 250,000 high school students for more than 60 years.

The YFU community is excited to promote international and interpersonal friendships in your local community. International programs for American students and volunteer opportunities with YFU are also available. To learn more contact YFU’s local New England Field, Director Heather Johns, directly at 617-868-3660 or via e-mail at hjohns@yfu.org. Additional information and an online application are available at www.yfu-usa.org.