Impact of YFU

"What starts with a single person, over time, influences nations."

At YFU, we believe since 1951 that immersive intercultural exchanges with a strong educational aspiration are a powerful way to shape a better world and foster democratic values. Through our educational approach, our commitment to sustainable development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and our partnerships and advocacy, we create meaningful and lasting impact on individuals and societies worldwide. Our impact goes far beyond a single exchange experience: it is about building a world where people understand each other, act responsibly, and work together across borders – one person at a time. We prepare the next generation to take on global challenges with courage, empathy, and responsibility.

We don’t just organize exchange programs. We empower citizens of one world. And the world needs them more than ever.

Since 1951, 270 000+ students have gone on exhcange with YFU

Our Mission in ActioN

YFU is an expert in intercultural education. In our work, we are committed to:

  • Intercultural learning that fosters empathy, resilience, and cooperation.
  • Global Citizenship Education, preparing young people to thrive in an interconnected world.
  • Education for democratic participation, empowering individuals to become engaged, responsible citizens defending democratic values.
  • Non-formal and lifelong learning, ensuring that skills developed through our programs and work last a lifetime.
  • Sustainable Development aligned with the UN SDGs, to safeguard a just and thriving future for people and the planet.

Impact That Is Lasting

Every exchange has long-term effects:

  • Students gain confidence, intercultural competence, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
  • Host families and schools broaden their horizons by opening their homes and classrooms to someone from another culture.
  • Communities benefit from diverse perspectives and the questioning of stereotypes.
  • Our alumni carry these experiences forward into their careers and societies, becoming active, global citizens who stand for dialogue, peace, and sustainability. 
  • In the past three quarters of a century, hundreds of thousands of YFUers have realized our mission and contributed to creating a more just and peaceful world.

Explore our educational approach

Sustainability at YFU

Partner with us

YFU's mission thrives thanks to the generous support of our funders and the invaluable partnerships we have cultivated across the globe. The collaborations and communities we engage with are at the heart of our work, empowering us to promote intercultural understanding and foster global, active citizenship through our educational programs and training initiatives. While our vibrant community of volunteers embodies the passion and values that drive our work, it is the support from our external partners that enables us to expand and strengthen our impact worldwide.