Overview
YFU offers year, semester, summer, and gap programs in more than 35 countries. With over 100 programs to choose from, there’s a YFU program perfect for you.
Tuition for YFU study abroad program includes:
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Experienced Admissions Team members to help select your program and answer any questions
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Assistance with acquiring your visa or resident permit (as required)
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Professional orientations and materials to prepare you and your parents for the journey and guide you throughout your exchange
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Round-trip domestic and international travel as well as transportation to your host family
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Airport staff assistance
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Placement with a carefully selected host family
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Enrollment in school (trimester, semester, year)
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Local and regional trips as well as educational activities* (where noted)
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Comprehensive Insurance
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Support for students and families through counseling, tutoring, etc. (as needed)
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24-hour Emergency Support both in the host country and in the US
International students traveling to the USA – please contact your YFU office to discuss what your tuition includes.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Age
To participate in a YFU Youth Program you will need to be age 15 to 18 (or older for some Gap Year programs) while abroad. Some programs and countries have varying age restrictions. Please see individual country pages for specific age requirements or call your Enrollment Associate at 1.800.TEENAGE.
Academic
For most year and semester programs, a “B” average or better (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required. For summer programs, a “C” average or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required.
Health
Students must be in good physical and emotional health. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Previous Language Study
Requirements vary. If you have a serious desire to participate on a YFU study abroad program but do not meet some of these eligibility requirements, please call the Admissions Team at 1.800.TEENAGE so that they may explore your options and find the right program for you.
For additional details, please call 1.800.TEENAGE and speak with an Admissions Team Member who will assist you in choosing the best program options. Alternatively, you may register for the next Virtual Information Night (VIN) for a general overview of our programs.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
+ Program Tuition
Tuition varies depending on what program and country you choose. Please refer to the individual country web pages for program costs. Program tuition is not based on the length of the program. Tuition will not be prorated or discounted if departure is delayed or an early return is requested.
+ Orientations
Local orientations (April, May and June throughout the country) are provided for all programs. A National Orientation is provided for Year, Semester, and Trimester students. Special orientation sessions are provided for Japan summer scholarship programs.
+ Additional Costs
Though most expenses are included in your tuition, you will need to budget separately for passport and visa fees (which may include travel if you are required to appear in person at a consulate), insurance, personal spending money, luggage tariffs, any applicable international airport taxes, optional trips or expenses during your program, telephone calls, property damage, and some school expenses such as books or uniforms which are not included in your tuition.
+ Passports and Visas
Students are responsible for getting their own passports. You can find out more information at the U.S. State Department website. For information on entry requirements for a specific country, please go to the Entry/Exit Requirements section in the Country Specific Information pages for the country you are interested in. If additional paperwork for your visa is required, the YFU admissions office will send you the necessary forms to obtain a visa at an appropriate time before your departure. Please be aware that you will need to apply for this visa before going on program. Be sure to talk with your Admissions Team Member about visas and let them know when you have obtained yours.
+ Safety
YFU USA has been internationally recognized for our commitment to safety. Throughout all aspects of the intercultural exchange experience, safety is our top priority. We encourage all families to learn more about our safety accreditaion and procedures on our official Safety Statement.
+ Travel Arrangements
Your YFU tuition includes round-trip domestic and international travel, as well as transportation to your host family from the arrival airport. Domestic travel includes round-trip tickets to YFU-designated international gateway cities. Personal travel while overseas is not included in the program tuition. Please note that YFU will designate a departure airport within 100 miles of your home. If you prefer, it may be possible to fly from a closer airport for an additional cost. Contact the Admissions Team if you have questions about domestic departure airports.
+ More Information
If you’re not quite ready to pack your bags and head overseas, talk to your family about becoming a host family.
The decision to study abroad takes a lot of consideration. Visit our Resources page to find further information that may help you in the decision making process.
Please note: Spaces are limited and are filled on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged. If it is after October 1 (for winter departure programs) or March 15 (summer departure programs), please call 1.800.TEENAGE before submitting your application to speak with the Admissions Team about program availability. Many countries will allow late applications after negotiation, but some countries or programs have earlier deadlines and space restrictions.
The admissions process is ongoing and YFU reserves the right to reassess the status of accepted students. Also note that due to foreign countries’ varying views on medication, YFU partners may have a more difficult time securing a host family in their country for students taking anti-depressant, anxiety or attention deficit disorder medication. If a host family cannot be found, then students may be subject to cancellation and given a refund of all payments except the non-refundable application fee.