Experience Your World with YFU.

Info sessions

YFU Student Exchange holds Info Sessions online regularly. Check out our times and join us for the next webinar run by YFU.

How to Apply

Learn more about the six step process you will complete on your way to starting your new adventure overseas!

Host a Student

Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for your whole family.

Student Exchange programs to over 30 destinations!

A Youth for Understanding (YFU) Student Exchange program offers a unique opportunity to explore the world in a safe and supported way. You can choose from programs lasting 3 -12 months to over 30 destinations worldwide. Some of our destinations offer programs for students who have recently graduated from secondary school.

YFU Student Exchange has offered international exchange to high school students in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years. The strength of YFU lies in our unique not-for-profit business model, dedicated volunteer support system, and strong global network of YFU member organisations.

Our aim is to provide YFU Exchange Students with an exceptional international exchange experience that results in empowered young people who have the potential to change their world!

YFU Student Exchange is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children involved in our programs and has a zero-tolerance policy to any form of child abuse.

Apply now to start your journey.

Tracey S.

11:24 17 Aug 25

We’ve now hosted two wonderful students through YFU and loved every minute. Our family has welcomed both a Norwegian and an Argentinian student, and they fitted in straight away. The support from YFU as a host family has been excellent, and we always felt comfortable reaching out with questions.

Hosting has given our children lifelong friendships — my younger son enjoyed having “sisters” at school, and my older son is even visiting our Norwegian student’s family while travelling in Europe.

Glen B.

10:00 17 Aug 25

Our family had a great experience with YFU Student Exchange. Our daughter participated in a "one school term" experience in Canada. She was placed with a beautiful family who provided her with a memorable experience of Canadian life and culture. So much so, she didn't want to come home. Pamela and Melanie from YFU exchange were professional and provided great communication and support through the process. They settled our nerves, with regular contact, while allowing our daughter to take responsibility of the her great adventure through different stages of the exchange. We highly recommend YFU Student Exchange to other families thinking of this experience.

Asha C.

01:48 13 Aug 25

Hello, My name is Asha I did an exchange to Belgium for a year when I was 15. It's pretty hard to sum up this experience because there's just so much you want to talk about, best time of my life says it pretty well! I loved meeting the other like minded teenagers from all over the world who become my family. I moved host families once due to complication in the family but after that i was placed with the most amazing family who took care of me and where so interested to learn about my country. Schooling and lifestyle was so different to my home life which just made everything so exciting and new. learning the language is hard but if you get practice before you depart you'll be fine. If your looking at this and you think this would be something for you, it isn't for everyone but encourage so much to just go for it. Live a big life even if your just 15 🙂

Hernan C.

10:24 12 Aug 25

As a former YFU exchange student, I can say this was one of my most important experiences. YFU is a reliable, trustworthy organisation with many years of experience uniting people from all over the world.

Ned G.

04:26 20 Jul 25

I was an exxhange student as a youth and it changed my life, positively and irrefutably. My daughter opted to venture to Argentina of her own volition decades later with the same ideals in mind: to open her mind to a diverse and beautiful world in a quest for empathy. She, too, had a thrilling and enriching experience. I can't recommend YFU highly enough for those with an open mind seeking something far beyond the limiting back yard.

Michaela R.

01:55 07 Aug 19

Most amazing team helping youth and their families experience incredible country and cultural exchanges.

Student Exchange Destinations

With over 25 destinations available, it’s time to explore your world with YFU.

USA

Spain

Italy

Germany

France

Canada

The benefits of an exchange program can set you apart from your peers:

Become fluent in another language
Gain confidence and independence
Make friends from around the world
Learn about another culture
See the world with new eyes
Experience school like never before

Key FAQs

We know it’s a lot to take in, but we’ve got some quick answers to common questions to help get you started!

What are the eligibility requirements?

You can check them all out right here.

How do I apply for a program?

Details about our easy 6 step application process can be found here.

Where can I get more info and ask questions?

Contact our team by phone or email – we are happy to help! A Discovery Session is a great way to learn more. They are held online and you can ask us questions. The dates, and links to register can be found here.

Don’t forget if you REGISTER and ATTEND a live online Discovery Session you automatically get $100 off your program fee.

*conditions apply

What's involved in becoming a host family?

Host families are open minded, flexible, tolerant and have a sense of humour. They are keen to learn about another country and culture and share their own lives and experiences with their student.

If your family would like to become a host family, you will need to meet some requirements:

Find out more HERE

Become a Host Family!

Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for your whole family! Being a host family means opening your home, hearts and minds to a young person from overseas.

What kind of home do I need to provide?

To host an exchange student in Australia, you need a safe, welcoming home with a spare bed (preferably a private room), space to study, meals provided, and reasonable access to school/transport. Families of all types are eligible, what matters most is that they are a welcome and active member of you family. Click here to find out more.

Does the exchange student speak my language?

Yes. Exchange students speak English well enough for daily life and school participation, though it may not be their first language. They might need time to adjust but will improve quickly through school and host family interaction.

How long do we host for?

You can host a student for 2, 3, 5 or 10 months.

How do I sign up / find out more?

Click the link below to start our online application process.