Discover Yourself with YFU
Location
China: Beijing, Dongyang, Guangzhou and 4 other cities
Ghana: Accra
South Korea: Andong, Ansan, Anseong and 42 other cities
Spain: Santander
Description
For YFU students, studying abroad is not just a journey of distance and geography, but of culture and self-transformation. Discover yourself through new and challenging experiences and find the U you've been looking for.
YFU is the intercultural exchange program if you're a U.S. high school student or recent graduate and want to experience another part of the world. Our study abroad program is an experience that will immerse you in the lives, cultures, and communities of a real family in one of 40 countries around the globe. An adventure where you'll learn--in a year, semester or a summer--what life is like for teens in another part of the world. An experience that will change you and your view of our planet forever.
Have a journey you could never have imagined at home while discovering that the YFU experience is a powerful engine for personal growth. YFU is a homestay experience where you live with a carefully selected host family who have agreed to open their home and their hearts to you--providing room, board and a caring home. You'll gain a global family, make new friends and even attend a new school on academic programs. From application completion and cultural orientations to travel accommodations and adjusting to your new home, our experienced Admissions Counselors and volunteers are here to support you.
In additional to our high school programs, YFU also offers gap year study abroad opportunities for graduating seniors. With gap year, you'll experience a new culture and learn a new language by living with a host family in their community. Academic programs vary by country: In some, you will attend a local high school, in others you will participate in college-level courses. Other options include programs with a focus on the arts, cultural tours and more.
Highlights
YFU offers more than 100 programs in 40+ countries and most countries do not have a language requirement. Below are highlights from a few participating countries. Please note, placement in a specific city is not promised or guaranteed, it is based on host family availability.
* Bulgaria
Learn Bulgarian during a 4-week language course upon your arrival. Bulgaria is located on the northeast part of the Balkan Peninsula, this diverse country is located at the crossroads between Western Europe, the Near East, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. With a landscape of rivers, mountains, and sea, this beautiful country is where the new modern world meets old country traditions! Education is very important to Bulgarian families, and you will attend a first-class high school while studying abroad.
* China
Come experience the fascinating and ancient culture of the People's Republic of China as it undergoes profound economic and social transformation into the 21st century. Our summer program in China allows students to split their six weeks between the busting capital of Beijing as well as the flashy and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Students will spend mornings learning about Chinese language and culture while afternoons are reserved to use your skills and knowledge to explore your community.
* Ghana
Spend a summer, semester, or year in this beautiful and historic African nation. Learn while you serve with YFU's unique community service program that allows students to become involved in their community at day care centers, orphanages, YMCAs and institutions for the physically challenged. In addition to experiencing the local culture firsthand through your homestay with a Ghanaian host family, you will get the chance to see Ghana through a variety of trips and tours that may be planned, including museums, historic sites, parks and reserves in the countryside, government buildings and institutions in Accra and cultural and academic centers.
* Latvia
Experience the European art and music scene! Or , try your hand at basketball? In Latvia, you can do both! Latvia may be a small spot on the globe, but the unmatched hospitality, deep history, rich culture and fascinating adventure will take up a big part of your heart if you choose this country as your destination. Latvia's culture is influenced by the country's many previous inhabitants and its present day neighbors. Now independent of the Soviet Union, Latvia's theatre, choir music and classical music are leading examples of this rich culture. Latvia's capital city, Riga, is not only the center of entertainment, but also home to the oldest school in the country; the prestigious and esteemed University of Latvia. Don't worry, though - even though your education will be taken seriously, you'll still have plenty of time for fun!
* Spain - Santander
Enjoy learning Spanish this summer in the coastal town of Santander. This town has been called The Ideal City for its beautiful weather, beaches and sophisticated, kind Santanderinos. Students in this four-week language and culture program will attend Spanish classes in the mornings and cultural activities are planned for many of the afternoons. Activities may include Latin dance classes, museum tours, beach volleyball, various daytrips and more.
* South Africa
Embark on a language learning adventure with Zulu or Afrikaans classes. Most likely you will attend a semi-public school at the senior secondary high school level where you will wear a uniform. You'll take courses that are familiar to you in subjects like science, history, geography, English, math, and art. South Africa also offers volunteer programs! Become a volunteer in one of the world's most beautiful countries! Design your own volunteer program and choose from six different organizations in the following fields: wildlife preservation, child care, and health education.
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