Youth For Understanding USA (YFU), a nonprofit educational organization, seeks volunteers and host families to mentor and host high school exchange students coming to the team community. Share your sense of team spirit and your family traditions– this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a student from a different country to learn what it means to be a team player, experience American culture, and build interpersonal bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime.

Host families of all shapes and sizes welcome YFU students into their home as if they are one of their own children. YFU exchange students bring spending money and have health insurance.  They come prepared to follow family rules and want to become a part of the community.  Students and host family are supported by local YFU representatives who form a nationwide network of more than 1500 volunteers. These trained volunteers work to ensure that everyone has an incredible experience during the program year. 

Families around the world trust Youth For Understanding because of its reputation for quality, high safety standards, and strong support network.  As one of the world’s oldest and largest exchange organizations, YFU has provided study abroad opportunities to over 250,000 high school students for more than 60 years.

The YFU community is excited to promote international and interpersonal friendships in your area! International programs for American students and volunteer opportunities with YFU are also available. To learn more contact YFU’s local New England Field Director, Heather Johns, directly at 617-868-3660 or via e-mail at hjohns@yfu.org Additional information and an online application is available at www.yfu-usa.org.