Experience: Your World Another Culture New Languages New Friends

Discovery sessions

YFU Student Exchange holds Discovery Sessions online regularly. Check out our times in our Discovery Sessions section.

How to Apply

Learn more about the six step process you will complete on your way to starting your new adventure overseas!

Host a Student

Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for your whole family.

Student Exchange programs to over 25 destinations

A Youth for Understanding (YFU) Student Exchange program offers a unique opportunity to explore the world in a safe and supported way. You can choose from programs lasting 3 -12 months to over 25 destinations worldwide. Some of our destinations offer programs for students who have recently graduated from secondary school. As a YFU exchange student you get to:

YFU Student Exchange has offered international exchange to high school students in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years. The strength of YFU lies in our unique not-for-profit business model, dedicated volunteer support system, and strong global network of YFU member organisations.

Our aim is to provide YFU Exchange Students with an exceptional international exchange experience that results in empowered young people who have the potential to change their world!

Applications for August 2024 and beyond are now being accepted.

Apply now to start your journey.

The benefits of an exchange program can set you apart from your peers:

Key FAQs

We know it’s a lot to take in, but we’ve got some quick answers to common questions to help get you started!

Details about our easy 6 step application process can be found here

Contact our team by phone or email – we are happy to help! A Discovery Session is a great way to learn more. They are held online and you can ask us questions. The dates, and links to register can be found here.

Don’t forget if you REGISTER and ATTEND a live online Discovery Session you automatically get $100 off your program fee.

*conditions apply

Host families are open minded, flexible, tolerant and have a sense of humour. They are keen to learn about another country and culture and share their own lives and experiences with their student.

If your family would like to become a host family, you will need to meet some requirements:

Find out more HERE

Become a Host Family!

Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for your whole family! Being a host family means opening your home, hearts and minds to a young person from overseas.

Students will all arrive with a basic level of English and be very keen to improve their language skills through every day communication.

You can host a student for 2, 3, 5 or 10 months. 

Click the link below to start our online application process.

Get $100 off your program!

Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.