Youth For Understanding is one of the oldest and largest high school exchange programs in the world. We are a private, non-profit educational program dedicated to preparing young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Description:
YFU offers young people the adventure of a lifetime - the opportunity to explore other countries and cultures, master new languages, and discover themselves. We seek to transform young people by instilling passion for life-long learning, and the skills and knowledge to thrive and contribute amidst cultural diversity. To achieve these significant educational aims, we provide young people between the ages of 15 and 22 a variety of intensive exchange opportunities.

History:
Today, YFU USA administers the Youth For Understanding programs in the United States.

A network of over 50 partner offices and organizations, YFU's global history began very humbly in the United States. In 1951 an American minister, John Eberly, proposed to church leaders that teenagers from war-torn Germany be brought to the United States to live with a family and attend high school for a year in an effort to heal the wounds of World War II. This proposal met with approval from State Department officials.

Contact people:

Mary Wennerstrum, District Coordinator, (phone), (email) Cari Charleston, Field Director-Omaha/Siouxland Field, (phone), (email)

Address:

Field Office-8230 Hickman Rd Suite 300 Des Moines, IA 50325 (See a map)