What inspired you to work for Youth For Understanding USA?
I always wanted to study abroad in high school but never got the opportunity! Now I can help give the opportunity to students. Building bridges between countries is so important.
When we can learn how another culture operates, we can become more open-minded, and understanding, and truly be able to make a difference!
YFU Staff 2023.
Why do you do what you do?
To help students grow into who they are, broaden their perspective, and become exceptional advocates for the US and its future. Our students are going to become leaders in the near future.
A well-traveled individual poses key traits such as open-mindedness, tolerance for other viewpoints, a sense of humor, responsibility, and courage. Our programs help students realize these traits in themselves.
Venice Canals.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
To relax, and take it all in. It's going to be one of the best things you can do! Our perspectives of another culture come from things we read or what others tell us.
To experience is a whole different level! You will create lifelong friendships and relationships. The most amazing opportunity one can experience.
What makes Youth For Understanding USA special?
We are a volunteer-based organization. So we are made up of dedicated alumni, host families, and families of study-abroad students who support Youth For Understanding and our mission.
The passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers is unmatched. We don't just place students with families. There is so much care and safety protocol we have in place to ensure a good match and student safety.
Why should someone choose Youth For Understanding USA over competitors?
Youth For Understanding is so different! We don't just have partners we work with overseas, we have a network of YFU offices with very few exceptions. We have been working with our partners since Youth For Understanding started.
What this does is streamline communication and safety procedures so our students and families receive the best care! We offer the most opportunities in scholarships!
Making Tiramisu in Rome Italy.
What is Youth For Understanding USA's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges. This is done with and by generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff.
YFU seeks to instill a passion for life-long learning as a path to fulfill our mission. We encourage participants and alumni to use their skills and knowledge to thrive and to contribute wherever they are.
What do you hope participants take away from Youth For Understanding USA programs?
YFU Study Abroad creates meaningful opportunities for self-discovery and growth. Away from their comfort zone, YFU students learn interpersonal competencies as they are compelled to form trusting relationships with residents of the host culture and learn how to solve problems locally, without their parents.
YFU students gain leadership skills and global competencies to prepare them for their future in an interdependent world. It’s up to you to allow your child the breathing room to become independent, to make mistakes, and to learn. Nothing that is genuinely worthwhile is easy.
The central square, Piazza San Marco
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Most parents of Youth For Understanding students say their teen returned with greater confidence and maturity.
But more importantly, YFU students see changes within. From having a stronger sense of the world to personal growth and being more adaptable in unfamiliar situations, Youth For Understanding students truly discover another part of themselves—a part that will benefit them forever.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means gaining a larger or new perspective on any topic and using that information in a positive way. Growing communication in various languages and getting outside of your comfort zone to discover new parts of yourself. To me, it's what travel means, and it’s up to YOU and how you can use your discoveries to help others.