Benefits and Eligibility


Benefits of an exchange student

If you become an YFU exchange student you will:

  • Gain a rich understanding of another culture and learn a new language
  • Develop increased self confidence and a sense of self reliance as a result of your exchange experience
  • Become aware of career and further study options you haven’t thought of before
  • Experience the stimulation of completing some of your education in a new environment
  • Enjoy the excitement of living in another country with the support and security of a host family and sometimes a new set of brothers and sisters
  • Make new friends that will last a life time and who will help you understand the world through "new eyes"
  • Gain experience and maturity
  • Demonstrate your capacity to cope with change which will be valued by your future employers
  • Experience the benefits of exchange long after you return home as someone who is different from other applicants for employment or further study as you demonstrate the skills you acquired in meeting the challenges of the exchange experience


Can I Go On Exchange

You can participate in a YFU exchange program if you are:

  • Between 15 and 18 years old (students who are between 14 and 15 years old or who will turn 19 while on exchange can apply for some programs). Contact us for further information.
  • In good physical and emotional health
  • Achieving and maintaining average academic results (C on a A to E scale) over at least the last two years at school
  • Are still at school when you apply
  • Mature, flexible, adaptable , responsible and willing to be challenged

If you are not yet eligible to participate but would like to find out more about the benefits of exchange why not talk with your parents about hosting a YFU exchange student for between two and ten months. No one could have the exchange experience without our volunteer host families who welcome an exchange student into their home as families do for our students in our partner countries. Learn more about hosting click here or by calling us on 0800 833 624 (freecall)

To begin your application as an exchange student, click here