YFU News

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.
Attending an information session is a great place to start. Here are three reasons why it can make a difference when choosing your student exchange organisation.

Choosing a student exchange program is an exciting step towards discovering a new culture, gaining independence and making lifelong memories. But with different organisations offering different programs, how do you know which one is right for you?

Attending an information session is a great place to start. Here are three reasons why it can make a difference when choosing your student exchange organisation.

Arun spent a year exchange program with YFU Australia / New Zealand in France and wrote a reflection on one of his learning outcomes. Each exchange program brings with it its own baggage of learnings and we always love to learn more from each of our returnees.

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.

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.