Profile
About YFU
YFU is more than a student exchange organisation, it’s a global movement driven by purpose, not profit. As a non-profit with over 55 member organisations across six continents, YFU has empowered over 270,000 students and 70,000 volunteers through transformative intercultural experiences for more than 70 years.
As one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most respected providers of exchange programs, YFU believes full cultural immersion is the key to preparing young people for a diverse and competitive world. We’re not just shaping individual journeys, we’re creating a catalyst for positive global change.
From your very first enquiry to long after you return home, YFU is by your side. Our dedicated team of professional staff and passionate volunteers ensures that you’re supported every step of the way, no matter where you are in the world.
We pride ourselves on creating a safe, supportive environment for every student, host family, and school. YFU enforces strict child safety protocols throughout the entire exchange process, including the careful vetting of host families and local coordinators.
YFU Student Exchange is the registered name of YFU Australia Ltd, which is fully approved by the Education Departments in every Australian State and Territory and by the Ministry of Education in New Zealand.
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When you choose YFU, you’re not just signing up for an exchange, you’re joining a global family that supports, challenges, and inspires you for life.
History
YFUÂ was originally established in the United States in 1951 to build friendship between young people of the United States and Germany after World War II. It grew rapidly and in 1977 became established in Australia and in 1985 in New Zealand.
Board of Directors
YFU’s Board of Directors is made up of respected leaders from business, legal, education, and community sectors across Australia and New Zealand. Each member brings a deep personal connection to exchange, as former exchange student, host family, or parent of participants.
Collectively, they bring decades of experience, with some having worked in international education and youth exchange governance for over 35 years, not just locally, but around the world.
The Board meets regularly to guide our strategic direction, uphold our non-profit values, and ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Every Director holds a current Working with Children Check and signs a strict Code of Conduct, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to child safety and organisational integrity.
Our team
Many of our staff have been exchange students. Others have lived, studied overseas or speak other languages. All of them understand the excitement and anxieties of being an exchange student and are happy to share their experience. They are friendly and approachable so please feel free to pick up the phone to have a chat. They will provide helpful advice at every stage.
All staff have Working with Children checks and sign a strict Code of Conduct.
Volunteers
YFU Student Exchange has dedicated volunteers across Australia and New Zealand. Our volunteers are part of the global network of YFU Volunteers worldwide.
All volunteers undergo training, have Working with Children checks and sign a strict Code of Conduct.
Quality Assurance
YFU will:
- Provide students with a quality exchange program based on timely and professional advice and support at all stages of the program from the time of enquiryÂ
- Support natural parents throughout their child’s exchange with friendly, timely and professional responses to their queries and concerns
- Ensure staff and volunteers are open and honest in all their communication and dealings with students, host families, natural parents and with one another in accordance with our Code of Conduct
- Maintain our 24/7 emergency phone to support natural parents, host families, volunteers and students in times of difficulty.
- YFU Student Exchange is a founding member of The Council of Australian Student Exchange Organisations (CASEO). Established in 2009 by six of the leading secondary student exchange organisations in Australia to promote the importance and educational value of student exchange programs and seek improvements in the policy and regulatory framework.
If we can do anything further to assist you please contact YFU.
