How to Apply

Eligibility

You can participate in a YFU Student Exchange program if you are:

Between 15 and 18 years old (students who are slightly younger or older may still be able to apply).
In good physical and mental health.
Have average C (on an A to E scale) or better school grades over last two years.
Still at school when you apply. Year 12 students can go on exchange for 2 to 12 months to some countries but must apply while still at school.
Mature, flexible, adaptable, responsible and willing to be challenged.

Between 15 and 18 years old (students who are slightly younger or older may still be able to apply).
In good physical and mental health.
Have average C (on an A to E scale) or better school grades over last two years.
Have achieved NCEA at your level or can produce evidence of expected level of achievement in NCEA when the Certificate is to be issued.
Still at school when you apply. Year 13 students can go on exchange for 2 to 12 months to some countries but must apply while still at school.
Mature, flexible, adaptable, responsible and willing to be challenged.

Step 1

Attend a LIVE ONLINE Discovery Session

Attend an Information Session to ensure you and your parents are well informed about what’s involved in becoming a YFU exchange student.

Registering and attending a Discovery Session will automatically give you $100 off your program fee. (conditions apply)

Step 2

Complete an Initial Application

Complete our Initial Application form – this will take just 10 minutes.

We will review your Initial Application and let you know if we have any further questions. We will then liaise with our overseas partner to arrange conditional acceptance. At this stage, an application fee of $100 is due.

Step 3

Interview

When your conditional acceptance is confirmed we will arrange for an interview to be set up at a mutually convenient time. This interview is designed to find out a bit more about your motivations and your ability to cope with the ups and downs of an exchange.

Step 4

Complete the Full Application

When your interview has been completed, we will invite you to submit a Full Application. This is detailed and designed to help us get to know you better. If you are unsure about something, please ask us for assistance.

At this time, you will receive an invoice for the $750 deposit, which is payable in 7 days. This invoice will give you details of instalment dates and the amount payable until final payment is due a minimum of 90 days before departure. Please note that this can vary to 120 days before departure for some countries.

Step 5

Acceptance

Congratulations are in order! When we receive your Full Application, we will write to confirm that you have a guaranteed placement and send your details to your host country so they can begin looking for your host family.

Step 6

Prepare to Depart!

Get ready for your departure.

We will give you access to “The Departure Lounge,” a web portal designed to assist you with your preparation for exchange. We will also schedule your pre-departure orientation to guide you and help you be organised for the adventure ahead.

Payment Process

There is an application fee of $100 with the initial application (fully refundable if you are not accepted—this fee is not part of the program fee).
$750 when you have completed your interview and received access to complete your full application
Instalments until the full program fee is paid
The full program fee must be paid a minimum of 90 days before departure
Please see our updated cancellation and refund policy via the link below

What is included in your program fee?

Return economy international airfare on quality airlines to and from your nearest international airport unless otherwise stated in the program inclusions
Return travel to and from your host family
Comprehensive medical, accident, travel and public liability insurance
School enrolment in host country
Placement with a carefully screened and selected YFU Student Exchange volunteer host family (including selection and preparation of the host family)
Pre-departure orientation and materials for students and parents and arrival and re-entry (before returning home) orientations
24/7 emergency number for use in the case of genuine emergencies
Application and selection process including selection interview and discussion with your parents in your home if possible
Assistance with visa process including provisions of documents (visa application fee not included)
Welcome and Farewell Pack
Professional individual support for you and your host family and your natural parents by staff and trained volunteers in your home country and in your host country
Professional counselling (if required)

What is not included:

Your personal spending money
Visa processing costs
Passport costs if you do not have a valid passport
Excess luggage fees (if required)
Intensive language camps or courses if needed and required by specific countries
Domestic travel to and from your international departure airport