YFU Australia & New Zealand joined Youth For Understanding member organisations from across six continents at the YFU Symposium on Intercultural Exchange and Democratic Engagement, held at ESCP Business School in Paris on 26 October 2026. The event marked YFU’s 75th anniversary and explored how intercultural exchange strengthens democratic resilience, global cooperation, and young people’s capacity to engage across cultures.
A Global Gathering in Paris
The symposium brought together education leaders, policymakers, researchers, alumni, and civil-society representatives to examine international youth exchange as more than an individual opportunity. Discussions focused on building democratic capacity, expanding access to exchange, and making multilateral cooperation tangible for young people.
For YFU Australia & New Zealand, participation reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to preparing young Australians and New Zealanders to become confident, empathetic global citizens through immersive student exchange experiences.
Three Awards for YFU Australia & New Zealand
YFU Australia & New Zealand returned from Paris with three significant recognitions:
- Capacity Builder Award — acknowledging the organisation’s investment in strengthening its people, systems, volunteer network, and ability to deliver high-quality exchange programs.
- Placement Award — recognising excellence in matching and placing exchange students with suitable host families and communities.
- YFU Finding Home Award — celebrating the organisation’s success in helping students feel welcomed, supported, and truly at home during their exchange journey.
Together, these awards highlight a powerful outcome: YFU Australia & New Zealand is not only growing its capacity, but also achieving first-place results in placing all of its exchange students successfully.
Growing Capacity, Delivering Results
Capacity building is central to sustainable international education. By strengthening volunteer training, student support, host-family recruitment, and operational processes, YFU Australia & New Zealand can respond to growing demand while maintaining the personal care that defines the YFU experience.
The Placement Award is especially meaningful because a successful exchange begins with the right placement. When students are matched thoughtfully with host families, schools, and local communities, they are better positioned to build relationships, adapt confidently, and gain the full benefit of living abroad.
The YFU Finding Home Award reinforces that exchange is ultimately about belonging. Beyond academics and travel, students need a supportive environment where they can share their culture, learn another, and develop lifelong connections.
What This Means for Future Exchange Students
For families and students considering a student exchange program, these awards demonstrate YFU Australia & New Zealand’s commitment to quality, safety, and student wellbeing. They also signal that the organisation is well positioned to place every exchange student and support them throughout their journey.
As YFU enters its next 75 years, YFU Australia & New Zealand’s recognition in Paris affirms a clear vision: building capacity today so more young people can experience the world, find a second home, and help shape a more connected and democratic future.
More information: www.yfu.com.au
