Dreaming of spending a semester or year overseas? Whether you already have a destination in mind or you’re still exploring your options, one of the best ways to prepare for your exchange adventure is to start your application early.
In 1948, YFU founder Dr. Rachel Andresen witnessed the lights of Amsterdam being switched on for the first time after World War II.
Becoming a host family for an international exchange student in Australia or New Zealand is an opportunity to welcome a new culture into your everyday life, share your family traditions and build a connection that can last well beyond the exchange.
A successful exchange is not simply about travelling to another country. It is about a young person arriving safely, being welcomed by a prepared host family and community, receiving support when challenges arise, and returning home with greater confidence, maturity and understanding of different perspectives.
A successful exchange is not simply about travelling to another country. It is about a young person arriving safely, being welcomed by a prepared host family and community, receiving support when challenges arise, and returning home with greater confidence, maturity and understanding of different perspectives.
Curious about the next three stereotypes? We’re continuing to bust the myths around what it really means to be a host family. Haven’t read the first four? Catch up with Part 1 here.
Perhaps a large family with a spare bedroom, parents who love travelling, and children who are already fascinated by different cultures. Or maybe you imagine a family that has hosted international students for years and knows exactly what to expect.
YFU Australia and New Zealand was proud to be represented at The PIE Live Asia Pacific on the Gold Coast, where our National Director, James Crimp, joined leaders from across the international education sector to discuss the transformative power of global learning and cultural exchange.
Exchange students. The term is known throughout the world but many lack the knowledge of the true meaning. Being an exchange student means being brave, independent, confident and open-minded. Being an exchange student means travelling to foreign countries, willing to jump in the deep end, having faith in your ability to persists.
The first weeks of an exchange student experience in Australia are often filled with excitement, curiosity, and unforgettable firsts. Known as the honeymoon phase of cultural exchange, this is the time when everything feels new—from landscapes and wildlife to food, school, and daily life.
As everybody is speaking about the FIFA World Cup, millions of people around the globe are gathering to cheer for their favourite teams, celebrate different cultures, and experience the excitement that only a global event can create. But while the World Cup lasts only a few weeks, there’s another international experience that can change your life forever: going on a youth exchange.
The Youth Empowerment Seminar is one of YFU’s largest international youth events, bringing together exchange students, volunteers, facilitators and educators from across the globe for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership and intercultural dialogue.
Cebrail, who spent a life-changing year on an exchange program from New Zealand to Turkey, reflects on his biggest discoveries and lessons learned.
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is proud to announce its role as a founding partner of Made Impact, a global initiative dedicated to increasing the recognition, visibility, and evidence of the positive impact international exchange and education have on individuals and society.
With only three spots currently open, this intake represents a highly selective opportunity for students from Australia and New Zealand who are interested in Japan. Demand for exchange placements in Japan remains consistently high due to the country’s strong education system, cultural depth, and global appeal.
A new and exciting opportunity is now available through YFU Australia & New Zealand, offering students the chance to take part in a 3-month high school exchange program in the United States at Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Have you ever wondered what it means going on exchange? Alex didn’t just go a year abroad and travel, he experienced something deeply rewarding and life-changing.
Edward Hunt from Australia went on a one-year exchange to Finland in 2024–25, an experience that deeply shaped his life. Here is a little insight into his experience, in his own words.
At YFU Australia & New Zealand, we believe international exchange should not only create positive impact for young people and communities, it should also consider the impact we have on the planet.
In every generation, it feels like the world is shifting faster than ever. Political tensions rise, cultures collide, and societies grapple with division and uncertainty. Yet, if we look closely, these challenges are not new. History has seen similar moments before and it has also shown us something equally enduring: the need for connection.
When people think about a student exchange program abroad, they often picture teenagers boarding a plane. But what if the journey started at home, and involved the whole family? Through YFU Student Exchange Australia / New Zealand, more families are discovering that hosting an international student is not only meaningful, but deeply rewarding for children and adults alike. Here’s why.
YFU is active in over 50 countries, which means your international student exchange program connects you to a worldwide network of students, host families, and alumni.
If you’ve been exploring YFU student exchange programs lately, you might have noticed something shifting. Short programs are no longer just the alternative. For many students, they’re becoming the first choice.
New opportunities have been implemented to support the financial aspect of a Student Exchange.
It is not too late to apply for a Student Exchange.
YFU’s Short-Term Programs are an exciting opportunity to explore the world and gain invaluable skills and insights in a condensed timeframe. Whether you want to learn a new language, explore a different culture, or just experience the world from a new perspective, these programs offer a flexible and impactful alternative to the traditionally longer programs YFU offers.
For some students, going on exchange has always been a dream, a goal or a possibility; for others, it’s a totally new idea – regardless, most students wonder if it’s the right thing for them. YFU believes a well-informed decision is vital to a successful exchange experience. Understanding what an exchange program involves and assessing whether it’s the right choice for you before applying is crucial.
When families decide to host an exchange student, they know there are some commonly expected benefits, such as helping a young person explore a new culture and the joy of sharing their home and their country’s customs. However, beyond these lies many unexpected benefits – particularly impacting the parents’ personal growth.
From the moment my exchange year ended and I bid farewell to Uruguay in 2020, I knew my return was imminent. Although, back then, it felt no more than a distant dream.
For high schools across Australia and New Zealand, welcoming an international exchange student into their community is a step towards cultivating a more inclusive, diverse, and globally aware educational environment.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the value of international understanding and cultural exchange has never been greater. The rich history of YFU and its commitment to cultural immersion mean that YFU remains a top choice for Aussie high school students seeking an overseas exchange experience.
Embarking on a High School Student Exchange Program with YFU is stepping into a new life with unknown adventures and totally unique learning experiences. Exchange is a journey that offers profound life lessons and changes you in ways that only the exchange experience can.
This is a time for mixed feelings, so be prepared. You are happy to return home but also sad that your exchange has ended. How is it possible to feel so happy and so deeply sad at the same time?
Embarking on an exchange program with YFU is an exhilarating adventure that promises new friendships, experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. The journey to a successful exchange takes preparation and setting realistic expectations about what to expect.
YFU’s mission to bring about change through cultural exchange is only made possible through the dedication and passion of our network of volunteers here in Australia and worldwide.
Going on exchange is NOT a holiday. It is experiencing a new culture from the inside, making new friends, becoming part of a new family and a journey of self-discovery. So, how do you ensure you make meaningful connections while on exchange?
